"The division has been overcome": the Hierarch of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem served the Patriarch of Antioch in Qatar

The division between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Patriarchate of Antioch, which occurred many years ago over a dispute over canonical claims to the territory of Qatar, seems to have been completely overcome. On March 28, 2025, in the Church of St. Isaac the Syrian, St. George the Victorious and St. Macarius of Jerusalem in Doha, a Divine Service was held, which was presided over by Patriarch John of Antioch, the Patriarch of Antioch, in co-service with the hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, Archbishop Macarius of Qatar. This is reported by the press service of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

The restoration of communion between the two ancient patriarchates became possible thanks to the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Antioch in October 2023. The two Churches are now working together to overcome the challenges facing Christians in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and the Holy Land. In his address to the faithful, Patriarch John X emphasized the significance of unity: “It is pleasant and gratifying when brothers meet.”

During the service, Metropolitan Athanasius Fahd of Latakia and Archbishop Macarius of Qatar from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem served the Patriarch. Archbishop Macarius conveyed to Patriarch John the brotherly love of Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem, and in recognition of the historic moment, presented him with commemorative gifts.

In his remarks, Patriarch John X emphasized the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a unifying figure not only for Christians but also for Muslims. He also recalled the difficult conditions in which Christians live in the Middle East, noting that they are the original inhabitants of these lands: “We are not foreigners, but the original inhabitants of this land. Christ was born in Palestine; in Jerusalem He lived and entrusted us with the Gospel of salvation”.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Holy Synod of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church welcomed the restoration of Eucharistic communion with the Patriarchate of Antioch. This is stated in the report on the results of the meeting of the Synod, held on December 28, 2023, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.