Patriarch John X of Antioch emphasized the indissoluble nature of spiritual unity with the Russian Orthodox Church

John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, in his message on the occasion of the 80thanniversary of the founding of the Russian Orthodox Church’s mission in Lebanon, affirmed the indissoluble historical and spiritual ties between the Patriarchates of Antioch and Moscow. According to Vima Orthodoxias, the celebrations marking the anniversary of the mission in Beirut took place on November 1, 2026.

In his address, Patriarch John noted that the brotherhood between the two Churches “cannot be destroyed by historical upheavals.” He emphasized that these bonds have deep roots stretching back many centuries, long before the official opening of the Russian mission in May 1946. The Primate of the Church of Antioch recalled the contribution of his flock to the spread of Christianity in Russia and the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate, and also noted the influence of Russian saints, such as the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, St. John of Kronstadt, and St. Luke (Voino-Yasenetsky), on the spiritual tradition of Antioch.

The Patriarch thanked Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk for strengthening bilateral cooperation. He also emphasized the significance of the mission in Beirut as an important spiritual center for Russian-speaking Orthodox believers living in Lebanon. In concluding his message, Patriarch John offered prayers for peace and unity, expressing his hope that the Russian mission would continue to serve as a “beacon of love and prayer” in the Middle East.

As a reminder, earlier, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop George expressed support for Metropolitan Nektarios of Kerkyra’s visit to Russia, emphasizing the need to maintain contacts to overcome the current crisis in global Orthodoxy. The Primate viewed the bringing of the relics of St. Spyridon to Moscow as an important step toward rapprochement.