The fourth day of the Holy Antiochian Synod continued with dialogue sessions moderated by journalist Zeina Yazigi.
The first session, titled “Christian-Muslim Relations,” featured interventions by Dr. Mohammed Sammak, Secretary-General of the National Islamic-Christian Dialogue Committee in Lebanon; Asmaa Kaftaro, member of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board; and Prof. George Tamer, scholar of philosophy and Islamic studies.
Speakers emphasized that in the East, “we live as one nation of multiple religions, ethnicities, and sects.” They stressed that “coexistence or civil peace should not be seen as a theoretical concept used in discussions, but as a living value that allows us to express both our unity of will and the diversity of our identities.”
They affirmed that Christians are an integral part of the national fabric and called for “a constructive and open Church discourse” that counters exclusion and launches practical initiatives—through meetings and dialogues—on issues of public concern.
Such actions, they noted, highlight the historic dimension of coexistence as a guarantee of social and national stability and underline the crucial role of Orthodox Christianity in building bridges of trust and understanding among religiously and ethnically diverse communities.
The second session, titled “Social Care in Times of Crisis,” included presentations by Archimandrite Meletios Shatahy, Director of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (GOPA-DERD); social worker Doris Bendaly Anton; and Ruba Khoury, Head of the Norwegian Church Aid Mission in Syria and Lebanon.
Speakers noted that in times of crisis, “the Church remains closest to the people,” responding to their psychological and material needs and mobilizing all available efforts locally and abroad.
This humanitarian role, they said, “is not a temporary response to emergencies but a living expression of the Church’s vision of the other—whoever that other may be.” They described this as a realization of the Church’s neutral identity, which “discriminates against neither color nor origin.”
The long history of the Antiochian Church in promoting civil peace through social care was highlighted, as well as its consistent service to all people through both word and deed. “If words may fail at times,” one speaker remarked, “acts of love can never fail, for they are rooted in the ethics of the Gospel.”
Discussions also addressed the broad range of social needs—from healthcare and education to combating unemployment and strengthening family cohesion.
Presenters shared examples of existing initiatives such as health and social centers, soup kitchens, aid funds, and school scholarships serving families in need. The Church also seeks to maintain contact with displaced families through its parishes abroad to provide ongoing pastoral support.
The third and final session, titled “The Church in a Time of Trial: Dangers, Challenges, and Paths of Renewal and Encouragement,” was delivered by Professor and lawyer Carol Saba.
He observed that “today’s world, East and West alike, suffers from political, social, economic, and even spiritual exhaustion.” This exhaustion, he said, creates new dangers and complex challenges that the Church must face “with a proactive vision and practical initiatives that move it from a position of reaction and retreat to one of action and leadership.”
Saba noted that these synodal discussions, the invitation of specialists, and the participation of various guests “represent a wise initiative by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who seeks to weave the first threads of an ecclesial safety network uniting the Church—its shepherds and faithful—in consultation and shared experience.”
He emphasized that the Antiochian Orthodox Church is uniquely positioned to play this unifying role, as “the oldest Church built on diversity, which has always gathered all under her wings regardless of ethnicity or background.” T
his role, he said, is embodied in “raising social awareness open to the other, following the example of the Good Samaritan, and forming human beings who uphold the moral and ethical values taught by religion.”
He concluded by affirming that “only by standing together can we build a democratic homeland where all people live in peace and prosperity.”
