Antiochian Church restoring communion with Jerusalem Church
Synod of the Antiochian Church. Photo: Facebook of the Patriarchate of Antioch
On October 21, 2023, the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church made the decision to restore communication with the Jerusalem Patriarchate, which had been previously severed due to disagreements regarding the jurisdiction of the territory of Qatar, reports Orthodoxianewsagency.
This decision comes in response to the deaths and suffering of the Palestinian people caused by Israel's missile strikes.
The Synod's statement reads: "Since the current circumstances require increased prayers and greater collaboration, the Holy Synod decided to restore communion between the Antiochian Patriarchate and the Jerusalem Patriarchate. It also tasked a competent committee of the Patriarchate to reach out to the brothers of the Jerusalem Patriarchate to find a resolution to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction dispute concerning 'Qatar' in a manner that preserves the right of ecclesiastical jurisdiction for the sake of the Antiochian throne."
Additionally, the Antiochian Patriarchate is sending a delegation to Amman "to express the love of Antiochian believers to the people of the Jerusalem Patriarchate and to support them in these difficult and tragic circumstances."
During the Synod session, Patriarch John made a phone call to Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, expressing the "full support of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in the unjust and barbaric attack on Greek Orthodox monks at the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza." He also requested the delegation to convey "solidarity, support, and condolences to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem for the loss of our brethren."
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Patriarch of Antioch advocates for the creation of an independent state in Palestine.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.