On March 26, 2025, the Holy Universal Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch convened at the Patriarchal Residence in Atchaneh, Lebanon. The Synod, led by His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, took place following the consecration of the new Catholicos (Maphryono) of India, His Beatitude Mor Baselius Joseph. A total of 61 metropolitans from across the Syriac Orthodox world participated in this significant meeting.
A Synod in the Spirit of Unity
The Synod began with prayer and a speech by the Patriarch, who emphasized the importance of spiritual unity and communion. He reminded those present of St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “Be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor 1:10). He also expressed his deep sorrow over the two abducted archbishops, Mor Gregorius Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi, who remain missing. Their forced absence continues to be a painful wound in the heart of the Church.
The Church’s Stances
The Synod addressed several global and regional concerns:
- Wars and Conflicts in the Middle East: The bishops expressed their deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land. They emphasized the need for peace, dialogue, and tolerance, stressing that all components of Syrian society must be granted full and equal citizenship as a foundation for a sustainable political solution.
- Lebanon’s Future: The election of a new president and the formation of a new government were seen as promising steps toward stability. The Synod urged continued efforts to resolve the country’s financial and social crises.
- Peace in the Holy Land: The Church leaders prayed for an end to war and violence and hoped for a just and lasting peace.
- India’s Religious and Cultural Diversity: The Synod commended India’s history of peaceful coexistence among religious and ethnic communities and expressed hope that these values would endure.
- The Future of the Knanaya Archdiocese: The Church reaffirmed its strong connection to the Knanaya Archdiocese and its historical roots in Antioch. Any attempts to sever this connection were condemned. The Church also supported the disciplinary actions taken by the Patriarch, including the suspension of Mor Severios Kuriakose due to his continued disobedience.
- The 1700th Anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea: The Synod reflected on the significance of this historic council and the Church’s role in contemporary ecumenical dialogues.
- Challenges of Migration: The Church called upon its faithful in the diaspora to preserve their faith, culture, and traditions despite the challenges they face in their new homelands.
- The Christian Faith in the Modern World: The Synod reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering stance against atheism, moral deviations, and ideologies contrary to Christian teachings.
A Faithful Church in Difficult Times
Despite the challenges faced by the Church and its faithful, the Synod expressed unshakable trust in God’s promise: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Church leaders urged their followers to remain steadfast in their faith, anchored in hope, and to pray for peace in the world.
The Holy Universal Synod concluded in a spirit of unity and dedication to the Church’s mission of preserving the apostolic faith and supporting its faithful worldwide.
