Patriarch John called on Syrian Christians not to celebrate Easter outside churches

Patriarchs John, Ignatius Ephrem, and Yussef Absi. Photo: Patriarchate of Antioch

In Damascus on March 29, 2026, a meeting of the Primates of Christian churches of Syria took place, following which a joint statement was published calling for limiting Easter celebrations to services in churches only. This is reported on the official Facebook page of the Antiochian Patriarchate.

The meeting was attended by Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and Patriarch Youssef Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.

The hierarchs discussed recent events in the country, paying special attention to incidents in As-Suqaylabiyah in Hama province, as well as the general security situation of Christians.

"We condemn what happened in As-Suqaylabiyah and pray for peace and stability in Syria," the statement reads.

The Patriarchs expressed concern about threats to peaceful coexistence in the country and emphasized the need to strengthen control over illegal weapons and ensure the security of all citizens.

In connection with the upcoming feast, they urged the faithful to limit the celebration of Easter exclusively to prayer in churches.

In conclusion, the hierarchs offered prayers for peace in Syria, Lebanon, and throughout the world.

As the UOJ wrote, the Antiochian Patriarch called for stopping violence against Christians in Syria.

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