Patriarch John X Welcomes Antiochian Archdiocese of North America Delegation in Lebanon

Photo: www.antiochpatriarchate.org

BALAMAND — On June 21, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received His Eminence Metropolitan Saba and a delegation from the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, including seminarians, clergy, and recent graduates, at the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand.

During the gathering, Patriarch John expressed the importance of the Church of Antioch’s global presence and emphasized the need for the maintaining of strong ties between the various archdioceses of the Patriarchate. The visit, he said, served as a step toward greater unity and pastoral collaboration.

Attendees had the opportunity to share concerns and proposals related to ministry, while the North American delegation expressed deep appreciation for their experience in Lebanon and the insights gained from engaging directly with the local Church and community.

On June 20, Metropolitan Saba and the rest of the group that is on pilgrimage in Lebanon was treated to a performance by the famed Orthodox Choir of the Eparchy of Tripoli.

Apart from singing various hymns from the Church’s divine services, a talk was also offered by Fr. Nicholas Malek, who has composed hundreds of church hymns, including the service of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn.

On June 29, the choir of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America’s pilgrims will join the renowned choir in a special concert that will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Previously, UOJ reported that, this Sunday, June 22, the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America will join the Patriarchate of Antioch in celebrating the Sunday of All Saints of Antioch for the first time in person.

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