Patriarch of Antioch Extends Pascha Greetings to Lebanon and Syria

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Patriarch John X of Antioch, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, made phone calls to the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch to extend greetings for the Feast of Pascha according to the Western calendar. He expressed his wish that the Feast of the Resurrection would bring goodwill to Syria and Lebanon, as well as peace to the region and the world.

Why it matters

The Patriarchate of Antioch is one of the most influential Christian institutions in the Middle East, with authority over Orthodox, Maronite, and Melkite churches in Syria, Lebanon, and surrounding countries. The patriarch's message of unity and peace during this important religious holiday carries significant weight in a region that has faced ongoing conflict and instability.

The details

Patriarch John X spoke with Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, as well as Patriarch Joseph Absi, the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. In the calls, the Orthodox patriarch conveyed his Pascha greetings and expressed his hope that the holiday would bring goodwill and peace to Syria and Lebanon, which have both faced significant political and economic challenges in recent years.

• The phone calls took place on April 7, 2026, ahead of the Feast of Pascha according to the Western calendar.

What they’re saying