Metr. Saba Stands with Patr. John X Amid Syria Attacks

Metr. Saba and Patr. John X met in June 2025. Photo: mecc.org

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Metr. Saba has expressed strong solidarity with Patr. John X following recent attacks on the Orthodox Christian village of Al-Suqaylabiyah. The incidents, which included vandalism of private property and gunfire aimed at the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, have sparked widespread concern across Syria and among the global Orthodox community.

In a letter dated March 28, Metr. Saba wrote that he joins Patr. John X “in condemning these acts in the strongest possible terms” and affirmed that the "bloodshed in Syria” must end. He also assured that he and the faithful in the United States and Canada stand in vigilance and prayer, asking the Lord of Peace to strengthen the Patriarch and preserve the land during these turbulent days.

Patr. John X had called for justice, noting that the attacks are often dismissed as “individual acts,” though “this is not necessarily the case.” He emphasized that the state must assume responsibility for civil peace and control of unlicensed weapons, concluding with the urgent call: “Enough bloodshed in Syria,” and invoking Scripture: “God is in Her midst; She shall not be shaken.”

Church leaders highlighted the broader significance of these attacks, warning that they threaten the stability of Syria’s historically diverse society and the safety of its Christian communities. Both Metr. Saba and Patr. John X stressed the importance of transparent investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and material compensation for victims, urging civil authorities to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The statements reinforce the ongoing commitment of the Orthodox Church worldwide to uphold human dignity, peace, and coexistence in the Middle East.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an 85‑foot statue of Christ was erected on the Lebanon–Syria border.

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