Patr. John X Visits Earthquake-Damaged Antioch Cathedral
Patr. John X marks a moment of mourning and renewal as Antioch’s devastated cathedral moves toward restoration and new leadership.
ANTIOCH — Patr. John X of Antioch and All the East visited the earthquake-damaged Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul on April 21, 2026, offering prayers of thanksgiving and commemorating victims of the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquake. The visit brought together clergy, local leaders, and faithful from across the region in a solemn act of remembrance and hope.
At the ruined cathedral site, the Patriarch led a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the disaster, expressing deep sorrow while affirming confidence in the church’s eventual restoration. He described the Resurrection of Christ as the foundation of Christian hope, stating that it is Christ who will “raise and restore this church to its former beauty.”
During the visit, Patr. John X also announced that the Holy Synod of Antioch has approved a unified ecclesiastical administration for the region and elected Fr. Paul as its new bishop. The announcement was received with affirmation by local representatives, signaling renewed organizational stability for the affected Christian communities.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Russian Orthodox Church provided aid to earthquake victims.
