Holy Synod of Antioch continues deliberations on Second Day at Balamand

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch continued its 16th session on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Balamand, Lebanon, under the presidency of Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East.

Earlier in the day, Patriarch John X, accompanied by the Metropolitans participating in the Holy Synod, visited Baabda Presidential Palace, where they met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Following the meeting, the Synod resumed its deliberations in the afternoon, focusing on the pastoral challenges and needs of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in its historic territories and throughout the diaspora.

Metropolitans Present Reports on Their Dioceses During the second day of proceedings, the Metropolitans continued presenting reports on the situation in their respective dioceses.

The reports addressed the challenges facing local communities, the achievements of pastoral and charitable initiatives, and plans for the future development of ecclesiastical life.

According to the Patriarchate, the discussions reflected the commitment of the Church’s hierarchs and faithful to supporting their communities amid the diverse and often difficult circumstances they face.…