Patriarch John X of Antioch met with a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church

Last Friday, October 30, 2026, John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. The talks took place at the Patriarchal Monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God in Balamand, Lebanon.

According to the Orthodox Times, the meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Key topics of discussion included the current situation of the Christian population in the Middle East, as well as the current state of interchurch relations among the Local Orthodox Churches.

Also participating in the event was Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, an advisor to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who accompanied the delegation as part of the official visit.

As a reminder, on September 30, 2026, a meeting took place at the Patriarchal Residence in Georgia between Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia and an official delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate. The delegation was led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate.