Antiochian Orthodox Church to study social media’s role in spreading the Gospel

During its meeting at Balamand Monastery in Lebanon from 20 to 24 October 2026, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Antioch examined social media’s role in the Church’s mission and reaffirmed the importance of lay participation in ecclesial life.

Meeting under the presidency of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch, the bishops reviewed the situation of dioceses in the Middle East and the diaspora, the challenges facing Christian communities and the pastoral needs of clergy and the faithful.

Digital media as an opportunity for evangelisation During its session on 23 October, the Holy Synod discussed the impact of the media, digital transformation and social media on Church life and pastoral ministry.

Recognising the importance of these developments, the bishops decided to study the subject in greater depth, considering digital technologies as an opportunity for evangelisation, teaching and demonstrating the unity of Orthodox witness.

The Synod also emphasised the importance of laypeople’s active participation in Church life through ecclesiastical bodies and committees governed by parish council regulations.

The bishops examined political, social, economic, legal…