DAMASCUS, Syria — Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch John X met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the People’s Palace in Damascus, marking their first encounter since the deadly bombing at the Mar Elias Church two months ago.
State-run media described the talks as a reaffirmation of the Church’s role in promoting unity and citizenship. President al-Sharaa praised the Church as a force for strengthening social peace and mutual understanding among Syrians.
But the meeting came against the backdrop of one of the deadliest attacks on Syria’s Christian community in recent years. International coverage, including The National, reported that the Patriarch pressed the president for concrete steps to ensure security for Christians, stressing that “statements must be followed by measures and mechanisms.” He called for Christians to be reinstated in the country’s security structures and for provocations against Christian neighborhoods to end.
What the Patriarch said at the funeral
At the funeral of the Mar Elias victims in June, Patriarch John X struck an uncompromising tone. “We are an integral part of this homeland, and we are here to stay. We are not leaving,” he declared.
He warned that the attack must not be allowed to spark sectarian conflict: “We will not allow this horrific act to become a pretext for national or religious conflict. We believe in unity and will remain united with all Syrians, Muslims and Christians alike.”
Directing his words at the authorities, he added: “We extended our hand to build the new Syria. We are still waiting to see your hand extended toward us.”
