Antioch Patriarch and Syria leader discuss Christians’ situation in region

Meeting of Patriarch John X of Antioch with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Photo: orthodoxia.info

On October 26, in the Church of the Virgin Mary in Old Damascus, Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Syria. According to the official website of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the discussion centered on the current situation of Christians in the country and ways to strengthen national cohesion amid the ongoing challenges facing Syrian society.

Patriarch John X and Ahmed al-Sharaa paid special attention to the difficulties faced by Christian communities, as well as to issues of church security and the restoration of damaged temples.

Earlier, on June 22, 2025, a terrorist linked to the so-called “Islamic State” carried out an attack during a service at the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Damascus. Twenty-two people were killed and dozens injured. In the aftermath, Patriarch John X and Ahmed al-Sharaa met for the first time to express support for the victims and their families.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Patriarchate of Antioch had established a new eparchy in Turkey.

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