Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East presided over the Feast of Saint John of Damascus, Patron Saint of the Institute of Theological Studies, at the Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand.
In his address, Patriarch John X affirmed: “We take pride in the Theological Institute and are proud of its ancient Antiochian mission in preparing the future generation and supplying the Church with skilled faculty.”
The celebration began with Vespers at the monastery, attended by Metropolitans Elias Kfoury (Tyre and Sidon), Ephraim Kriakos (Tripoli and Koura), Antonios Al-Souri (Zahle and Baalbek), and Bishop Thomas Joseph.
On the following morning, the Patriarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Metropolitan Elias Kfoury, Bishop Thomas Joseph, and several clergy. The service brought together the wider Balamand community, including representatives of the monastery, university, institute, and school.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Patriarch John X extended greetings to all present, highlighting the mission of the Institute under the intercession of Saint John of Damascus.
The commemoration also included a memorial service led by the Patriarch for the Thrice Blessed Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim, marking the thirteenth anniversary of his passing.
Source: Patriarchate of Antioch
