Patriarch John of Antioch: "We are on the side of the people of South Lebanon and pray for an end to the war"

Patriarch John II of Antioch and All the East has expressed his full solidarity and support for the people of South Lebanon, who are at the epicenter of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. His statement came after a telephone conversation with Metropolitan Elijah of Tyre and Sidon, and amid reports of new Israeli strikes in the region that have resulted in loss of life.

According to ORTHODOXIANEWSAGENCY.GR, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, His Beatitude Patriarch John discussed with Metropolitan Elijah the critical situation in southern Lebanon, which is undergoing intense military action. The Patriarch expressed the deep concern of the entire flock of the Antiochian Church for their brothers and sisters suffering from the war and assured their full support.

The Patriarchate of Antioch reaffirmed its readiness to provide continuous assistance to the Local Church of South Lebanon, using all available means, both material and moral. Patriarch John emphasized that unceasing prayers are being offered in all churches for a speedy end to the conflict, which is taking a heavy toll on everyone in the region, including the long-standing Christian presence. Metropolitan Elijah, for his part, expressed his gratitude to His Beatitude for his support and sincere Christian concern for South Lebanon.

The escalating tensions are confirmed by new reports, with Israel again striking South Lebanon and Beirut early Sunday morning, killing 12 more people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israeli officials said the targets of the attacks were commanders of the Lebanese branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously promised «many surprises» in the next phase of the conflict