On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia convened in Prešov to discuss pressing matters concerning ecclesiastical life.
As part of its agenda, the Synod acknowledged the Joint Declaration of the Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in Syria, issued on November 29, 2024. This declaration was enclosed in a letter (No. 18/2025) from the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, dated January 22, 2025.
In response, the Holy Synod issued the following statement:
“We express our fraternal solidarity and support for His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, along with all the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Antiochian Patriarchate, as well as the other ancient Christian Churches of the Middle East. With deep sorrow and grief, we witness the tragic events and ongoing violence in the region.
We strongly condemn all forms of extremism, terrorism, and violence that lead to the destruction of sacred sites and homes, the displacement of populations, and the loss of innocent lives. Such actions are wholly unacceptable, not only in light of the divine image within every human being and the commandment to love one’s neighbor, but also in regard to fundamental human rights, freedoms, and the immeasurable value of human life.
We join in prayer for the swift resolution of these armed conflicts and for the establishment of lasting peace in the lands that are inseparably linked to the life of our Savior, the work of His Apostles, and the spread of the Christian faith throughout the world.”
