Patriarch John X of Antioch: “In difficult times, the Russian Orthodox Church has always been there for us”

Solemn celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Orthodox Church’s mission in Beirut were held at the Balamad Monastery in Lebanon. During the festive evening, John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, emphasized the unbreakable spiritual bond between the two Churches, noting the special support Russia has provided to Antioch during times of trial, according to the Orthodoxia News Agency.

The event, held on October 31, 2026, was attended by a delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations. The celebration was accompanied by a joint concert featuring the Synodal Choir of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Balamand University Choir, who performed works by Russian and Lebanese composers.

Patriarch John X recalled the centuries-long history of relations between the two Churches: from the Church of Antioch’s participation in the establishment of the Russian Patriarchate in the 16th century to the support provided by Syrian Christians to the Russian flock after the 1917 Revolution. ““During the difficult times we have endured, the Russian Orthodox Church has always stood by us and helped us,” stated the Primate of the Church of Antioch, expressing gratitude for the humanitarian and spiritual assistance.

In his reply, Metropolitan Anthony conveyed words of appreciation from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia for his pastoral care for Russian-speaking believers in Lebanon and Syria. The Metropolitan emphasized that the unity of the two Churches, despite their different traditions, serves a single purpose—the glorification of God. At the conclusion of the visit, Metropolitan Anthony presented Patriarch John X with an icon of Our Lady of Kazan, reaffirming the Russian Orthodox Church’s unwavering prayerful support.