Metropolitan Saba Leads Pilgrimage to Middle East

Source: Antiochian Archdiocese

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — His Eminence Metropolitan Saba led a group of Antiochian seminarians, recent graduates, and clergy on a transformative three-week pilgrimage through Jordan and Lebanon, concluding on July 3, 2025, with their safe return to JFK Airport in New York City. The journey, rich with visits to historic churches, monasteries, and holy sites, profoundly shaped their ministries.

Starting in Jordan on June 12, the group explored ancient sites like Jerash, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo. In Lebanon, they visited Balamand Monastery, St. George Cathedral in Beirut, and the cliffside Dormition Monastery of Hamatoura. Key moments included the ordination of Dn. Justin Olmstead and Fr. Simon Najm, and a recording session with the Tripoli Choir to support victims of a terrorist attack in Damascus.

Metropolitan Saba, joined by hierarchs like Patriarch John X and Metropolitan Silouan, guided reflections on Orthodox life. Seminarians Andrew Neel, Scott Strickland, and Jacob Howell documented the pilgrimage, sharing its spiritual depth through media. The group expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality of Middle Eastern Orthodox communities, leaving inspired to serve with renewed faith and unity.

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