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Patriarch of Antioch offers condolences on passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East sent a message of condolence to the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar.

In his message, the Patriarch expressed deep sorrow at the news of Sheikh Hamad’s death, describing his passing as a loss not only for Qatar but also for the Arab world and the international community.

“With earthly sorrow mingled with hope in God’s mercy, we received the news of the passing of your father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of the State of Qatar,” Patriarch John X wrote.

“His passing is a loss for Qatar, for the Arab world, and for the world as a whole.”

The Patriarch offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking God to grant him abundant mercy and to comfort his family during this time of mourning.

He also prayed for Sheikh Tamim, asking God to strengthen and guide him in his service to Qatar and humanity.

“May God strengthen you and guide your steps toward all that serves the good of Qatar and of humanity as a whole,” the Patriarch stated.

Source: Orthodox Times  ·  Read the full story →
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💬 Comments (17) 🌐 Show original
A
Aleksandar Radovanović
I'm sorry he passed away. Patriarch John X beautifully wrote that it is a loss not only for Qatar but also for the entire Arab world. May God give him peace and comfort to his family.
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Величка Ангелова
I feel sorry for the deceased Sheikh. Patriarch John X has well written that the loss is for the Arab world and for all of us. God bless him and comfort the family.
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Росица Петрова
I feel sorry for the sheikh. Patriarch John X has well said that the loss is for the Arab world and for all of us. God bless him and comfort his family.
К
Кирил Стоянов
I'm sorry too, Rosice. The patriarch said it exactly – the loss is felt even further than Qatar. God rest him.
J
Jovan Savić
I'm sorry he passed away. Patriarch John X rightly said that this is a loss for the Arab world and beyond - the man clearly left his mark. May God give him peace and may Tamim have the strength to continue.
J
Jelena Marković
I'm sorry he passed away. Patriarch John X correctly said that this is a loss for the Arab world and beyond - the man clearly did things that were felt. May God rest in peace and comfort the family.
إ
إلياس نصار
May God have mercy on him and forgive him. The words of Patriarch John X are correct. The loss is greater than Qatar and extends to the entire Arab world. May God console the family and strengthen son Tamim in his responsibilities.
S
Snežana Kostić
I'm sorry too, Alexander. The patriarch rightly said that this is a loss for the Arab world as well, and I would add that this man built bridges between different faiths. May God grant him peace and strength to the family.
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Jelena Marković
I agree, Jovan, he also left his mark in the humanitarian projects he initiated. May God grant him peace, and Tamim the wisdom to continue on that path.
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Katarina Nikolić
I agree, Snezana, that part about bridges between faiths is correct - I remember how he also helped the Christian communities in the region. May God give him peace, and give his family the strength to endure.
D
Dragan Marković
I agree, Snezana, that part about bridges between religions is important - the man also helped in Syria, where the patriarch is from Antioch. May God grant him peace.
M
Marko Kostić
I agree, Jelena, those humanitarian projects really left a visible mark, especially in education and healthcare. May God grant him peace, and may Tamim continue on that path without major detours.
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Miloš Radovanović
I agree, Dragan, that part about Syria is very specific - the patriarch was personally there during the most difficult times, and the sheikh helped with humanitarian aid. May God grant him peace.
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Marko Savić
I agree, Miloš, it was a concrete cooperation - I remember how in Aleppo they distributed aid through church channels. May God grant him peace.
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Katarina Simić
I agree, Dragan, it's really nice that the patriarch also mentioned humanitarian aid in Syria - these are bridges that are built with actions, not just words. May God grant him peace.
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Snežana Živković
I agree, Dragan, that part about Syria is important because it showed that help was not just words. I remember how at that time many of our believers from Nis sent packages through the Church. May God grant him peace.
D
Dragan Milošević
I agree, Snezana, those packages from Niš really reached Damascus and the surrounding area, I know because my best man was in the convoy. May the Lord grant him peace, and may we continue to remember such things instead of just talking.
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