Met. Saba Leads U.S. Delegation on Historic Pilgrimage Across Lebanon
Seven-day journey connects Archdiocese Trustees with Antiochian heritage, concluding with rare invitation to Holy Synod and visit to ancient monastic communities.
BALAMAND — From Oct 1–7, 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Saba led members of the Antiochian Archdiocese Board of Trustees and their spouses on a deeply spiritual pilgrimage throughout Lebanon, strengthening bonds with the Mother Church and exploring historic and holy sites.
According to a release from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the delegation visited monasteries in Shwayya, Hamat, Anfeh, and Deddeh, walked through ancient cities like Byblos and Zahle, and worshiped at the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand. Highlights included the inauguration of the Metropolitan Antony Bashir Museum in Douma and a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude Patriarch John X.
His Eminence Met. Saba is pictured to the left of His Beatitude Pat. John X (center) during the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy. Photo: antiochpatriarchate.org
On the final day, the delegation received the high honor of attending the opening of the Holy Synod of Antioch, where Metropolitan Saba presented a report on the North American Archdiocese. His address emphasized unity, spiritual exchange, and increased pilgrimages to support Christians in the Middle East.
Trustees described the trip as transformative and reaffirming of the Archdiocese’s connection to its Antiochian roots. The visit highlighted both the rich history and enduring vitality of Orthodoxy in Lebanon.
Previously, UOJ reported that 33 Orthodox priests and deacons gathered at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery for the annual Pacific Northwest Deanery clergy retreat of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
