In a message, Patriarch John of Antioch conveyed his deep appreciation to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, in response to a message of sympathy following the recent military escalation in Lebanon.
The correspondence from Patriarch Kirill expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people amidst the turmoil in the Middle East, offering support and prayers during a time of heightened tension. In his reply, Patriarch John X expressed gratitude for the Russian Church’s compassion and support during these challenging times.
The Patriarch’s letter read: “I received with great emotion and appreciation your message of sympathy, in which you expressed your heartfelt solidarity and sincere feelings after the recent escalation in the Middle East and Lebanon in particular. I thank you for your noble feelings and raise my prayers with you to Christ, the Father of Lights, to establish His peace in the hearts, console everyone, and have mercy on the souls.”
Patriarch John X further emphasized the shared hope for peace in Lebanon, highlighting the devastation that war brings to humanity, which is called to reflect the image and glory of its Creator. He wrote: “I also lift my prayers for peace in your region, asking the Lord of Peace to extinguish the fire of war that is killing man, while man is called to be in the image of the glory of his Creator.”
The letter concluded with a prayerful blessing for the Russian people and the Russian Orthodox Church, expressing support for Patriarch Kirill’s leadership: “May God protect the Russian people and the Russian Church and assist your hand as you lead the Russian Church, enlightened by the light of His Holy Gospel.”