Under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Holy and Sacred Synod convened for its regular monthly sessions on Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
At the opening of the sessions, the customary greetings and responses were exchanged between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the first among the newly appointed Synodal Hierarchs, Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalochori, Kastelli and Viannos, on the occasion of the beginning of the new Synodal period.
During these meetings, all matters on the agenda were examined and the appropriate decisions were taken.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Hierarchs—members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, in light of the recent tragic events of violence in Syria and the joint appeal issued by Patriarch John X of Antioch, along with two Primates of other Christian Churches in Syria, express, through their letter to Patriarch John, their unanimous solidarity and fraternal support from the Ecumenical Throne to him, his hierarchy, the faithful, as well as to all Christians in Syria.
In the letter, they express their hope for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence and bloodshed, the preservation of social peace in the war-torn country, the protection of innocent civilians, and the safeguarding of all religious and ethnic communities.
“The most grievous loss of human lives, the atrocities, and the violent persecutions against the Christian population, as well as against other religious and ethnic minorities, testify to the deadlock into which individuals and nations fall when peace and justice do not prevail. It was fated that Your Beatitude, so beloved by us, and the Most Holy Church under Your leadership, should recently endure this painful ordeal, suffering afflictions and hardships.
At all times, but especially in moments of turmoil and sorrow, the Church of Constantinople and we personally stand with all our heart and mind beside Your Beatitude, the brother Hierarchs around You, the clergy, and the Orthodox faithful—so deeply loved and cherished by us—with profound and sincere love and fervent prayer to the Lord of mercy, consolation, and compassion, strengthening the noble arm of Your Love.” the Ecumenical Patriarch noted, among other things, and continued:
“Thus, with heavy hearts, we follow the events unfolding in Syria, maintaining feelings of brotherly solidarity and support towards Your esteemed Beatitude. By a decision of the Holy Synod, we express the deepest sympathy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and our personal support, conveying to You the enduring experience of the Great Church of Christ, which is also Your own experience: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (cf. John 14:27-28), for He who has called You to this ministry “has overcome the world” (cf. John 16:33).”
In this spirit, we have urged the clergy and faithful in all the Eparchies of the Holy and Great Ecumenical Throne throughout the world to intensify their prayers to the Prince of Peace and God of Love so that He may protect our Christian brothers and the innocent population of Syria. At the same time, we have expressed our hope that the country’s leadership will take measures to prevent further bloodshed and to protect all communities within its borders.
It is recalled that the Ecumenical Patriarch, who always and at every opportunity expresses the unwavering concern of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Christians of the Middle East, had raised the issue of the situation of Christians in Syria during his meeting last December with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During that meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch urged the President to exert his full influence to ensure the protection of the lives and safety of Christians and all minorities in Syria, also referencing the close historical ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Antioch.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
