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# Holy Synod of Antioch Opens Sixteenth Regular Session in Lebanon
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/holy-synod-of-antioch-opens-sixteenth-regular-session-in-lebanon/
- Published: 2026-10-23T14:21:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T14:21:49.000Z
- Description: The Antiochian Synod gathered in Lebanon to address the Church’s pastoral responsibilities, strengthen Christian unity, and affirm its enduring presence in the Levant.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Saba (Isper), Patriarch John X of Antioch and All East, Synod

**BALAMAND, LEBANON —** The Holy Synod of Antioch opened its Sixteenth Regular Session on October 20, 2026, at the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand under the presidency of Patr. John X of Antioch and All the East. The gathering [brought together](https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/2979) metropolitans from the Antiochian See around the world, including Metr. Saba, to discuss pastoral priorities and the Church’s mission in the Middle East and abroad.

In his opening address, Patr. John emphasized the Church’s responsibility to serve the faithful amid political and social difficulties, declaring, “We are neither wonderworkers nor do we surrender.” He called on the hierarchs to approach their deliberations with humility and Gospel-inspired grace while continuing to bear witness to Christ’s love.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/10/846727815_1436146668658365_5561336416008607972_n-1.jpg)On this topicPatr. John X Receives Metr. Saba in Balamand](https://uoj.news/news/patr-john-x-receives-metr-saba-in-balamand/)

The Synod’s agenda includes the pastoral situation in Lebanon and Syria, youth ministry, vocations, clergy welfare, liturgical heritage, communications, and developments throughout the Orthodox world. Particular attention is being given to the care of priests, with the hierarchs emphasizing the importance of supporting those who serve at the altar. The Synod is also considering the lives of individuals whose holiness may warrant formal recognition as saints.

On October 21, Patr. John and the metropolitans met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. Speaking about the importance of Lebanon to Christians of the region, the Patriarch said, “We shall remain rooted in it, just as the cedars remain rooted in Lebanon, growing like the cedars beloved of God.”

The hierarchs subsequently resumed their synodal proceedings, reviewing reports from archdioceses in the Middle East and the diaspora, while remembering the abducted Metropolitans John Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi in their prayers.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/antiochian-archdiocese-reports-financial-stability-and-ministry-growth-at-fall-meetings/) that the Antiochian Archdiocese reported financial stability and ministry growth at fall meetings.