To the Evangelical Community in Syria

On this joyous occasion of Christmas, we cannot but share our exhilaration with all Syrians as they look forward to the birth of a new Syria—a dream we have long cherished and continue to strive for.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This Christmas greeting and its message of hope extend to all humanity. The Gospel of Christ offers a vision of peace that is far more profound than the mere cessation of wars and conflicts. It embodies comprehensive peace that nurtures human life, the well-being of communities, and the flourishing of societies. It is the Lord’s promise that, through Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, we are granted new beginnings of salvation, graced by God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Glory in the highest to God in Trinity,
through Whom His goodwill is revealed to men,
that as the friend of man
He may deliver Adam from the ancestral curse.
(Troparion of the Sixth Hour of Christmas Eve)

This joyful message of the redemption of the human race is experienced during the holy days of the Twelve Days of Christmas, particularly on this most solemn night, as the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ proclaims to its faithful and announces to the whole world.

It offers glory, thanksgiving, and praise to the Triune God in the highest, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for His benefaction to the human race. Through the granted forgiveness and redemption from the curse, namely the curse pronounced upon man because of the fall and transgression of the First Father, one man’s sin brought darkness, confusion, decay, and death, which prevailed over all mankind. Man, as exiled from Paradise, became a plaything of the devil’s power, being dragged by him into works of corruption, unable to gaze upon the face of his Creator.

In a historic visit to Cyprus, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conducted his first visit to the Catholic Community in Cyprus following his election as cardinal. During his visit from Saturday, December 14th to Sunday, December 15th, Cardinal Pizzaballa shared in the pastoral life of the local Catholic community and celebrated Mass with the faithful of Cyprus.

The Cardinal was warmly welcomed by Msgr. Bruno Varriano, the Patriarchal Vicar of Cyprus, along with several other local priests. His visit marked a significant moment of spiritual fellowship for Cyprus Catholic population.

On Saturday December 14, 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, welcomed a group of small business owners whose projects were implemented with the support of the Papal Office for Projects under the Saint Mark Humanitarian Assistance Program.

His Holiness praised the importance of small businesses, emphasizing their role in generating income and achieving self-sufficiency for families. He noted that such initiatives not only benefit individuals but also contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy. Pope Tawadros highlighted the need for perseverance, conscientious effort, and determination to achieve sustainable success that benefits individuals, families, and the nation as a whole.

His Holiness also pointed out that China, the world's largest exporter, achieved its success through small businesses. He encouraged project owners to be patient, determined, and strive for excellence to help make Egypt a leader in small-scale industries.

Beirut, December 16, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox family, welcomed his Excellency Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was heading a Greek governmental delegation, at the Archdiocese of Beirut and its Dependencies in Ashrafieh. The meeting was attended by His Eminence Elias Audi, Metropolitan of Beirut and its Dependencies.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the historical relations between Greece and the Church of Antioch. They also addressed the general situation in the region, including the aftermath of the war in Lebanon and the developments unfolding in Syria. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Greece’s steadfast support for the Church of Antioch and for the Christian presence in the Middle East in general. He also emphasized his country’s commitment to strengthening the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.

Beloved,

" Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, Let all that you do be done with love" (1 Cor. 16:13-14). With these words, I begin, and with these words, I address our dear children in this cherished homeland. I extend my hand to yours during these delicate times, so that together, we may place our hope in the Almighty Creator, the Father of Lights and God of all consolation, to wipe away every disturbance from our hearts, crown them with His holy hope, and strengthen us to seek a better tomorrow.

Damascus, December 14, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, met with His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Patriarch of the Greek Catholic Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus.

In the midst of these dark days of continuing conflict and uncertainty in our region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, remain steadfast in proclaiming to our local congregations and the wider world the eternal Christmas message of the True Light shining in the darkness: the birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem (John 1:5).

For in Christ’s Nativity, the light of God’s salvation first came into the world, enlightening all who would receive Him, both then and now, and offering them “grace upon grace” to overcome the dark forces of evil that ceaselessly conspire to bring about the destruction of God’s creation (John 1:16).

about the latest developments and changes that Syria is experiencing

Upon his return to the Patriarchate’s headquarters in Damascus after cutting short his apostolic visit to India, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, held an online meeting with their Eminences the Archbishops of the Syriac Orthodox Archdioceses in Syria and the Patriarchal Departments, on the evening of Thursday December 12, 2024, to discuss the latest developments and changes that our country Syria is currently experiencing. The meeting started with a prayer for Syria and for all its people. The Church Fathers then discussed the security situation in the country, and the results of the meetings of their Eminences the Archbishops in Damascus, Homs and Aleppo, as well as priests in various parishes, with the representatives of the leadership of the Syrian revolution, including politicians, military officials, clerics and others.

Following the meeting, the Patriarchate issued a statement which you can read it by clicking here.

Damascus – December 12, 2024

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)

Upon his return to the Patriarchate’s headquarters in Damascus after cutting short his apostolic visit to India, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II held an online meeting with their Eminences the Archbishops of the Syriac Orthodox Archdioceses in Syria and the Patriarchal Departments, on the evening of Thursday December 12, 2024, to discuss the latest developments and changes that our country Syria is currently experiencing. The meeting started with a prayer for Syria and for all its people. The Church Fathers then discussed the security situation in the country, and the results of the meetings of their Eminences the Archbishops in Damascus, Homs and Aleppo, as well as priests in various parishes, with the representatives of the leadership of the Syrian revolution, including politicians, military officials, clerics and others…

On December 9, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Athanasius Cathedral in the Patriarchal Center in Puthencruz, on the occasion of the 40 day memorial of the departure of the late lanmented Catholicos Mor Baselius Thomas I.

Lk 3:10-18

On this third Sunday of Advent, we are confronted with the figure of John the Baptist.

The passage from Luke's Gospel that we read today (Lk 3:10-18) describes to us not so much the character of the Baptist, but rather the movement that arises among the people when he begins to proclaim the Word of God that had come down to him in the desert (“The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness” - Luke 3,2).

At the center of this episode is a question that appears three times: “What should we do?” (Lk 3:10,12,14).

John is asked this question by very different groups of people who lead different lives and whose styles are far removed from one another: there are crowds, there are tax collectors and there are soldiers who all ask the same question: What should we do?

In his message for the 58th World Day of Peace marked on 1 January, His Holiness Pope Francis reflects on the central theme of the upcoming Jubilee of Hope and reiterates his pressing appeal for debt forgiveness, reminding us that we are all “debtors” to God and one another.

By Lisa Zengarini

Hope has been a constant theme in all of His Holiness Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace messages. This is all the more true in his message for the 58th World Day of Peace, which will be marked on 1 January 2025, as the Church begins the Jubilee of Hope amid an unprecedented combination of challenges facing the world today.

On the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pope prays for a solution in Syria that “responsibly promotes the stability and unity of the country.”

By Kielce Gussie

In the wake of an escalation of violence in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime, His Holiness Pope Francis said he follows “every day what is happening” in the country. During his weekly General Audience, he spoke of the “delicate moment” in the country’s history and prayed for peace and security for its people.

World Council of Churches General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for prayers and support for Syrians undergoing profound and unforeseen changes. 

“In this time of mixed uncertainty and hope, the WCC calls all its member churches and ecumenical partners to join in prayer and Christian solidarity with the churches and people of Syria as they navigate their course through this transition,” Pillay said. “The Syrian people have endured more than a decade of war, displacement, and loss through the devastating armed conflict that followed the brutal suppression of peaceful protests in 2011.”

In the intervening years, Pillay noted, over 580,000 lives have been lost, 13 million Syrians have been displaced, and 154,000 individuals have faced arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance - including two Archbishops of Aleppo, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Boulos Yazigi, who were kidnapped by gunmen in April 2013. 

"We need to stand together, coordinate, and work to stand by our children in this difficult time"

December 10, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, made several phone calls to His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Patriarch of the Greek Catholic Church, in the context of the latest events is happening in Syria. The three patriarchs stressed the need to unite efforts and coordinate in order to stand by their children in the even of what is happening in Syria. The patriarchs stressed the importance of preserving the Christian component and the values of citizenship and coexistence.

"I convey to you the solidarity of the World Council of Churches amidst the events in Syria"

Damascus, December 10, 2024

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, addressed a message of solidarity to His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, conveying feelings of love and solidarity from the World Council of Churches towards the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East and all the churches in Syria. Dr Pillay’s message addressed the historic Christian presence in Syria and communicated prayers to the Lord of Peace that He may instill peace in all hearts.

Damascus, December 10, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, received a message of solidarity from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Bucharest and All Romania. The Romanian Patriarch expressed the Romanian Church’s support for the Antiochian Church in the context of the events taking place in Syria. His Beatitude affirmed that the Romanian Church raises prayers to the Merciful Lord to establish the Christians of this country in faith and hope.

"We join you in prayer and stand by our brothers in the Antiochian Church"

Damascus, December 10, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, received a phone call from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Sofia and All Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Patriarch expressed the Bulgarian Church's support for the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East in the event of the developments taking place in the Middle East and in Syria. He stressed that the Bulgarian Church prays for God to send the spirit of peace to all hearts. For his part, Patriarch John thanked Patriarch Daniel for his fraternal stance, stressing the fraternal relations that bind the two churches and the Christian presence in the Middle East.

"We pray to Almighty God to establish peace in Syria"

Damascus, December 10, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, expressed fraternal solidarity with His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, in the context of the events taking place in the region. His Holiness expressed himself during a phone call with Patriarch John X. His Holiness affirmed that the Church of Constantinople stands by the Church of Antioch in this difficult time and asks the Almighty God to send His spirit of peace to the hearts of mankind. For his part, His Beatitude John thanked His Holiness for his solidarity and sincere feelings, stressing the deep bonds that unite the two Churches.