Patriarch John X of Antioch met with young people from various Syrian dioceses during the “Ana Icon” youth gathering at the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George Al-Humayrah, which concluded on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
The Patriarch’s meeting with the participants was one of the highlights of the third day of the gathering. In a warm and paternal conversation, Patriarch John listened to the young people as they shared their impressions and experiences from the “Ana Icon” gathering. They also performed the gathering’s hymn for him.
Addressing the participants, Patriarch John emphasized that love for others is at the heart of love for God and that love for Christ cannot be separated from love for one another.
He encouraged the young people to live their faith without fear, stressing that nothing can separate Christians from the love of Christ. He also highlighted the importance of bringing together young people from different Syrian dioceses so that they may meet and build relationships as members of one Church.
The third day began with the Divine Liturgy and included a session with Dr Khalil Ajami, who introduced participants to aspects of artificial intelligence. Patriarch John later presided over Vespers before meeting with the young people.
The gathering concluded on Sunday with a Divine Liturgy presided over by the Patriarch.
As part of the closing program, the participants came together to complete a painting they had begun on the first day, with each group adding its own contribution. The gesture symbolized their commitment to carrying forward what they had experienced during “Ana Icon” in their own lives.
The groups shared their impressions of the gathering, while members of the organizing team also reflected on their experience of serving the participants.
At the conclusion, the young people received gifts including a Bible, a prayer rope and an icon of the Holy Mandylion.
Although the gathering lasted only a few days, organizers said it was filled with encounters, prayer, questions and moments of fellowship that left a lasting impression on those who took part.
