Patriarch John X (Yazigi)

Patriarch John X (Yazigi) (1955-____)

John may be spelt Jean, Johannes, Iohanna, Youhanna.

Yazigi may be spelt Yazji.

Early life of Youhanna Yazigi

On 1 January, 1955, Youhanna Yazigi was born in Latakia, Syria. His father Mounah Yazigi, an Arabic language teacher, was originally from the village of Marmarita in Wadi al-Nasara. His mother Rosa Moussi was born in Tripoli, Lebanon. In time, the couple received from the Lord 4 children : 2 boys, and 2 girls.

Youhanna was raised in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, and he completed his primary and secondary education in Latakia, Syria.

Higher education

Youhanna graduated from Tishreen University in Latakia with a degree in civil engineering. After this, he earned a degree in theology in 1978 from the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand in Tripoli, Lebanon. Tripoli is the capital of the North Governorate of the country.

During his studies, he played an important role with the youth by leading and teaching them Byzantine Music. As a young believer within the Orthodox Christian Church, his work was fruitful in that it led to the establishment of a Byzantine Music School and many spiritual youth programmes. By the blessing of God, his work led to a great spiritual revival amongst the people of his generation.

Monastic tonsure

At an unknown date, Youhanna Yazigi was tonsured to be a monk. He was given the name of a different Saint John (which in English is the form of his name).

Diaconal ordination, 1979

In 1979, the Monk John (Yazigi) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in Latakia by Metropolitan Youhanna (Mansour) [1979-2018].

Diaconal service

Hierodeacon John (Yazigi) continued his studies by travelling to Thessaloniki, Greece, and entering the theological faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During the time of his studies, he served liturgically in those places where he was blessed to do so by the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki.

In 1983, Hierodeacon John (Yazigi) graduated with high honours from the theological faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a focus in Liturgics. At the same time, he also earned a diploma in Byzantine music from the Conservatory of Byzantine Music of Thessaloniki.

The title of his thesis (published in Greek) is : "The Service of Holy Baptism : An Historical, Theological, and Liturgical Study".

In 1981, Hierodeacon John was assigned to teach Liturgics at the Balamand Seminary in Tripoli, Lebanon while he continued his studies in Thessaloniki.

Presbyteral ordination, 1983

In 1983, Hierodeacon John (Yazigi) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in Latakia by Metropolitan Youhanna (Mansour).

Pastoral service

Hieromonk John (Yazigi) continued his obedience to teach Liturgics at the Balamand Seminary in Tripoli, Lebanon.

From 1989 until 1992, and then again from 2001 until 2005, he served also as the rector of the seminary. During his second term as rector, in addition to those responsibilities, he served as the abbot of the Balamand Monastery.

Episcopal ordination, 1995

On 24 January, 1995, Hieromonk John (Yazigi) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by bishops of the Antiochian Patriarchate.

Episcopal service

Bishop John (Yazigi) was assigned to serve as the Titular Bishop of Al-Husn, Jordan.

Bishop John (Yazigi) was assigned also to serve as Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Homs.

After his ordination, Bishop John immediately began to work to revive the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Al-Humayrah. It is in the town of Mashtaya in the Wadi al-Nasari, (the Valley of the Christians) in the province of Homs. He served as the abbot of the monastery from 1995-2002.

Through his efforts, the monastery became a centre of spiritual and public life in the area. During this time, he was assigned to serve as the spiritual father of the nuns of the Women's Monastery of the Dormition of Blemmana, Deir al-Sayyida (Sayde) in Tartous.

Western Europe, 2008

On 17 June, 2008, Bishop John (Yazigi) was chosen to be the metropolitan (ruling bishop) of the Diocese of Western and Central Europe of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

On 19 August, 2008, he was enthroned as such by Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch.

On 19 August, 2010, his title was changed to “Metropolitan of Europe”.

Election, 2012

On 17 December, 2012, 12 days after the repose in Christ of the previous patriarch, Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch, Metropolitan John (Yazigi) was elected to be the next Patriarch of Antioch, and he was released from his other responsibilities. At the election, 18 of the 20 bishops were present (2 were absent because of health concerns).

This result was unexpected, as Metropolitan John had only been a member of the Holy Synod for a little under 5 years (since his election to the Metropolitan See of Western and Central Europe in 2008). The normal procedure for the election of a Patriarch requires all candidates to have been a member of the Holy Synod for at least 5 years, but there are indications that the Holy Synod had agreed to set that rule aside for this election.

Patriarch-elect John arrived in Damascus, Syria on 20 December, 2012, for prayers in the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus (since 1342, the seat of the Patriarch of Antioch). There, he received congratulations from various civil authorities (including the Minister for Presidential Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mansour Fadlallah Azzam, on behalf of the President of Syria), and other well-wishers.

Enthronement as Patriarch in Damascus, 2012

On Sunday, 23 December, 2012, in the Mariamite (Mariamieh) Cathedral in Damascus (the official seat of the patriarch and the headquarters of the patriarchate), the solemn Divine Liturgy of installation and thanksgiving was led by the newly-elected patriarch. As usual, the enthronement by the bishops of the Holy Synod took place during the Trisagion Hymn of the Divine Liturgy. At this time, at the official enthronement, he received the title “Patriarch of Antioch and all the East”.

Holy Dormition Cathedral ("Mariamieh"), Damascus

During his installation sermon, Patriarch John X (Yazigi) stressed his rejection of western interference in the Syrian civil war as well as his intention to promote peaceful co-existence with Muslims and other Syrians. The ambassador of the Russian Federation in Damascus, Azmatullah Kulmohammadov, stressed the firm support of Russia for Syrian national unity, national peace, and an end to the civil war. In response, the Antiochian Orthodox patriarch called upon the entire Syrian people to defend its national unity and to fight instability and insecurity.

Because of the civil war in Syria at the time, the service was necessarily restrained, and few foreigners could attend. Nevertheless, there were some dignitaries present. The enthronement ceremony was attended by a few Patriarchs, including some non-Orthodox, such as Gregorius III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch for the Roman Catholic Melkite Church, and Bishara Boutros Al-Ra'i, Patriarch of Antioch for the Maronite Catholic Church (the first visit of the Maronite Patriarch to Damascus since the reign of Patriarch Anton Boutros Arida). Pope Benedict XVI sent a "congratulatory and cordial" message to the new patriarch. Civil representation included the Speaker of the People's Assembly Mohammed Jihad Lahham, several ministers, and several ambassadors. However, most Arab and Western embassies were closed in Damascus, thus preventing a wide representation both from other Orthodox Churches, visiting Christians, and a broad diplomatic representation.

Supplementary and accessible enthronement as patriarch in Beirut, 2013

For this reason, a second service of enthronement took place in Beirut, Lebanon, on 17 February, 2013, in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Ashrafieh (one of the oldest Christian districts of Beirut). This service was attended by Antiochian Orthodox Christians from all over the world. Chief amongst the guests were President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon, and Patriarch Bechara Boutros Cardinal Al-Ra'i of the Maronite Catholic Church. Also present were Russia’s ambassador to Lebanon A Zasypkin ; Ukrainian ambassador Volodymyr Koval, and other diplomats accredited in Beirut.

The celebrations began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral in Beirut, and the prayers were offered in Arabic, Greek, Latin, Church Slavonic, Georgian, Serbian, Romanian, Czech, French, English and German. It was served by Patriarch John X (Yazigi). He was accompanied by Archbishop Chrysostomos (Dimitriou) of New Justiniana and All Cyprus ; and Metropolitan Kristof (Pulec) of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. (Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Russia sent a message to be read.) Also participating in the liturgy were hierarchs and clergy of the Local Orthodox Churches, including Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) and a delegation from the Church of Russia, who travlled to Beirut for the celebrations. Also present (but not serving) were Cardinal Kurt Koch (President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) ; Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Cardinal Al-Rahi ; Greek-Catholic Melkite Patriarch Gregory III Laham ; Syro-Malabar Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Yonan ; Syriac Jacobite Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Ivas of Antioch ; Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia. There were also representatives of other non-Orthodox confessions and public authorities of Lebanon and Syria.

Divine Liturgy with Enthronement in Beirut

Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Beirut

Patriarchal service

During his sermon at this enthronement, the Patriarch promised that the Antiochian Church would engage in dialogue based on mutual respect. He promised also to continue the Patriarchate’s aid to all families, children, and women who are suffering as a result of the conflict. On working together with the Muslim community, he said, “Muslims are partners in the nation, and our ties with them go beyond co-existence ; we share with them the responsibility to build a [better] future and confront dangers”.

Patriarch John X (Yazigi)

The physical territory of the Patriarchate of Antioch includes Syria ; Lebanon (the political distinction between Syria and Lebanon was introduced in the 20th century) ; Jordan ; Iraq (Mesopotamia). Beyond this territory, there is “all the East”, which includes the Arabian Peninsula, Mesopotamia and beyond (historically, this included Persia, India and China). Since the days of emigration, the responsibility includes “non-territorial” Archdioceses and Exarchates of Australia and New Zealand, Central America, North America, South America, and Western Europe.

Since the days of emigration in the 20th century, the patriarchal pastoral responsibility began to include “non-territorial” Archdioceses and Exarchates which were at their beginning, and in the early states of development abroad : Australia and New Zealand, Central America, North America, South America, and Western Europe.

Abduction of Metropolitan Boulos (Yazigi) (brother of Patriarch John) and Archbishop Youhanna (John) (Ibrahim), 2013

On 22 April, 2013, Archbishop Boulos (Yazigi), Archbishop of Aleppo of the Antiochian Greek Orthodox Church (brother of Patriarch John), was abducted on his return from a humanitarian mission in the countryside, along with the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo, Archbishop John (Ibrahim), who was kidnapped in turn while the driver was killed. There have been reports that the kidnappers may have been Chechen.

After the abduction, Patriarch John issued a statement in which he called on the churches to cancel the "external celebrations" and to tie a black ribbon on the Cross and wax holders, with the traditional hymn "I am your slave" written by a Patriarch of Constantinople. Pope Francis called for the immediate release of the bishops, as did the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), which considered it an act contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Regret has been expressed that not much has been done by those in power (particularly in the West, to discover what has happened to both the bishops. In 2022, there was yet no sign that the bishops were alive, nor have there been any reports about any sightings of them since 2013.

Visit to Rome to meet with Pope Francis, 2013

On 27 September, 2013, Patriarch John (Yazigi) was present in Rome, Italy, in order to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

At this first and brief meeting, the leaders discussed first their desire for Christian unity and the progress of ecumenical dialogue. They also spoke about the Civil War in Syria, and about the fact that both Patriarch John's brother Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi) and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim (both of Aleppo, Syria) had been abducted by gunmen earlier that year. There had been no further reports about their condition or situation.

After their meeting, Patriarch John introduced the members of his entourage to Pope Francis, and there was an exchange of gifts between the Patriarch and the Pope.

Enthronement of Metropolitan Ignatius of Western and Southern Europe, 2013

In November, 2013, in Paris, France, Patriarch John X (Yazigi) led the enthronement of his successor in the Archdiocese of Western Europe, Metropolitan Ignatius (al Houshi).

Fraternal visit to the Moscow Patriarchate, 2014

On 25-30 January, 2014, at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia, Patriarch John X (Yazigi) of Antioch and All the East visited the Russian Orthodox Church.

During the official visit, the Primate of the Church of Antioch was accompanied by Metropolitan Basil (Mansour) of Akkar ; Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos) of Tripoli ; Archbishop Niphon (Saikali) of Philippopolis/Shahba (the representative of the Patriarch of Antioch to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) ; Archimandrite Philip (Yazeiji) ; Archimandrite Parthenius (Allati) ; Archdeacon Gerasim (Kabbas) ; and also a group of Orthodox Christian lay-persons.

Upon arrival in Moscow, Patriarch John and his entourage travelled to the Danilov Monastery, and to the Patriarchal-Synodal Residence which is within the Holy Synod building. They were greeted there by Patriarch Kirill, after which they went to the Temple of All Saints who shone forth in the Land of Russia (in the Patriarchal-Synodal building). There, Patriarch John led a short Te Deum service (prayer service) of thanksgiving for safe arrival, during which Patriarch Kirill prayed in the Altar. Afterwards, in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal Residence, there was a fraternal meeting between the 2 Orthodox Church Primates.

Patriarchal-Synodal building, Danilov Monastery

On 26 January, the Patriarch John and Patriarch Kirill served the Primatial Divine Liturgy together at the Cathedral Church of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. In the comments that were made following this service, the Primates of the Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Churches issued a joint appeal to the participants of the International Conference on Syria "Geneva-2", which was being attended by representatives of the warring parties and the international community.

On 27 January, Patriarch John was the honoured guest of Patriarch Kirill at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. There, Patriarch Kirill led the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Christmas Educational Readings “Saint Sergius ; Russia ; Heritage ; Modernity ; Future”. The forum was dedicated to the 700th anniversary of the birth of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. At the opening of this forum, Patriarch Kirill delivered an initial speech, after which Patriarch John also spoke to those assembled. In the evening of that day, the Primates of the Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Churches visited the Metochion of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Moscow. After a prayer service in the Church of the Metochion, Patriarch John was awarded the Order of the Star of Bethlehem, the highest award of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society. This was followed by a festive dinner in honour of Patriarch John.

On 28 January, Patriarch John was driven north of Moscow to Sergiev Posad, in order to visit Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra and the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary there. Later, Patriarch John met with the Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, Valentina I Matviyenko, who presented the Primate of the Church of Antioch with the Medal “Federation Council : 20 years". In the evening, Patriarch John visited the Moscow Temple “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Icon of the Mother of God on Bolshaya Ordynka Street (Great Horde Street). In prayerful memory, the rector of the Temple, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk presented the honoured guest with an Icon of the Queen of Heaven "Joy of All Who Sorrow".

On 29 January, Patriarch John X of Antioch visited the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Moscow. Later in the day, there was a meeting of Patriarch John with Mr. Sergiy V Lavrov (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia) at the Reception House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

On 30 January, the Fraternal Visit concluded, and Patriarch John returned to Damascus.

Controversy between the Antiochian and Jerusalem patriarchates, 2015

In 2015, a controversy arose when the Church of Jerusalem opened a parish in Qatar officially. This parish is on territory that has always been considered to belong to the Church of Antioch. As a consequence, there were sharp exchanges which brought about the suspension of communion between the Churches.

In 2019, the dispute remained unresolved, although some conversations had occurred towards a possible resolution. In 2023, there was no reported change.

Visit to the USA, 2017

On 21 October, 2017, Patriarch John (Yazigi) arrived in the USA in order to participate in an “In Defence of Christians” Summit, titled “American Leadership and Securing the Future of Christians in the Middle East”. This meeting was held in Washington, DC, 24-26 October, 2017. According to the Archdiocesan web-site, Patriarch John met with the leadership of the United Nations (UN), and members of the current USA Government Administration in an attempt to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis, to highlight the current humanitarian crisis, and to discuss the future of Christians in Syria and the Middle East. While he was in the capital city of the USA, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Potomac, Maryland, on Sunday, 22 October, 2017.

Another goal of this visit was to highlight the very effective humanitarian arm of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the "Department of Ecumenical Relationships and Development" (DERD). DERD is the largest independent local Non-Government Organisation (NGO) which operates within Syria. Like the Patriarchate itself, DERD is completely independent of government involvement, and it seeks to “offer help to those who are in dire need, ensuring that efforts are made to provide service to all, to spread the spirit of humanity, justice, tranquillity and peace amongst those affected, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity”.

On 29 October, 2017, Patriarch John (Yazigi) served the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. He served together with Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) ; and with Metropolitan Joseph (al-Zehlaoui) ; Bishop Thomas (Joseph) of the Antiochian Diocese of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic ; Bishop John (Abdalah) of the Diocese of Worcester and New England ; Bishop Nicholas (Antoun) of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast.

Metropolitan Joseph ; Metropolitan Tikhon ; Patriarch John : Divine Liturgy, Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch John was honoured at a reception and fundraising luncheon. Amongst those in attendance were Patriarch Bechara Peter Cardinal Rai of the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East ; Bishop Gregory John Mansour of the Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, New York. Funds raised at the luncheon were earmarked to support the relief efforts and the victims of the war in Syria.

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) and Patriarch John (Yazigi)

Missile strikes against Syria, 2018

On 14 April, 2018, the USA, France and the United Kingdom launched many missiles against government sites in Syria.

The patriarch refused to take a political stand with one of the parties to the Syrian crisis. He said that Christians should be a "bridge between the conflicting parties." He stressed the importance of freedom and social justice. "We reject violence and murder for any reason whatsoever". In order to reach a political solution to the crisis, he considered that "dialogue and political solution is the door to salvation in Syria". In any event, the patriarch maintained his visit to the president of the country, Mr. Bashar Assad.

Soon afterwards, Patriarch John X (Yazigi) of Antioch, together with Moran Mar (Sayidna) Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, together issued a strong condemnation of the missile attacks. They said that the bombings "were clear violation of the international laws and the UN Charter", and that the "unjust aggression encourages the terrorist organisations and gives them momentum to continue in their terrorism".

Fraternal visit to the Moscow Patriarchate, 2019

Patriarch John (Yazigi) accepted the invitation from the Moscow Patriarchate to visit in Moscow on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) as Patriarch of Moscow.

On 1 February, 2019, a very large gathering took place in Moscow, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral (near the Moscow Kremlin) at the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy which marked this occasion. There were representatives from China, Japan, Georgia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Syria, Egypt, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and others in attendance.

During his visit to Moscow, Patriarch John of Antioch and All the East gave interviews, amongst them some with Russian media journalists. To them, he commented on the Church situation in Ukraine.

In his interview to the RT TV network, Sayidna John emphasised :

 Concerning the situation of the Church in the Ukrainian state, I can express my regret since these 
 actions have inflicted damage on the Orthodox Church.  We hoped that these steps would not be that 
 fast, and that the opinions of other Churches would be taken into account, and an agreement would 
 be reached through consultations.  What happened did happen, and we ask the Lord to help us find 
 acceptable ways for solving this problem.  Orthodox unity is the red line that must not be crossed. 
 Respect for the geographical boundaries of Orthodox Churches is a good sacred tradition.

He opined further that in the situation of the Ukrainian schism, there are also external factors involved. "Undoubtedly, present here is a political interference in Church affairs. If politics has interfered in Church affairs, then inevitably it will bring in differences and schisms".

Patriarch John believed that the only solution is a conciliar discussion on the situation.

 It is the only format, just as the format of a family in which one of its members has fallen ill. 
 Of course, there may be different points of view, there may be a discord, but the appropriate way 
 of healing a problem that has arisen in a family is through dialogue, through benevolence and 
 accord between its participants.  Therefore, dialogue certainly remains to be the only way.

Patriarch John further said to a correspondent that the Church of Antioch had already asked Patriarch Bartholomew several times "to get everybody to meet and discuss the situation in Ukraine, for him to convene the Primates of Orthodox Church to talk thoroughly about all the problems in the world of Orthodoxy, especially this topic". [...] "Together with Primates of other Churches – Patriarchs of Alexandria and Serbia and Archbishops of Cyprus, Greece and Albania – we tried to arrange our meeting and discuss this matter. Regrettably, it has not happened so far".

Nevertheless, Patriarch John expressed the conviction that the possibility for such a meeting is real. "We have honest and open relations with heads of Local Orthodox Churches, and it is a guarantee of successful dialogue. Through meetings and dialogue every problem can be solved".

He further averred that "All the Local Orthodox Churches believe that they make up one Church. We represent the Church of Antioch, but here in Moscow we feel that you and we are one family, the Faithful of the same Church. It is very important, despite of some disagreements. Disagreements have always existed in the history of the Church, just as brothers may happen to quarrel in any family, but we all would remain one family".

Archpastoral visitation to the Lebanese part of the Diocese of Akkar, 2019

On 4 May, 2019, Patriarch John began his archpastoral visitation to the Lebanese portion of the Diocese of Akkar and Dependencies, and to Metropolitan Basilios (Mansour). The patriarch's personal history has many roots in this diocese.

Visit to Aidmon

On the first day, the patriarch visited the parish of Aidmon.

This village is situated in the north-east part of Akkar, 60km (40 mi) north-east of Tripoli, in North Lebanon. There, the villagers had prepared for him a huge, popular reception in the town square, amidst ringing bells, the singing of hymns, and the chanting of women. At the Temple of Saint George, Patriarch John served a "Te Deum" Service as customary, along with Metropolitan Basil, with the entourage and with the parish pastor, Priest Boutros Jabr. Also present were Judge Tariq Bitar ; retired Colonel Joseph Abboud (the mayor of the municipality) ; Sheikh Loay Al-Hajj (Imam of the Aidmon Mosque) ; Sheikh Rashid Jaafar (tribal representative) ; and friends, scholars, notable leaders, and the people of the town. This was followed by speeches by various persons, and also an exchange of gifts.

Visit to Nahariya

The next visit was to Nahariya (about 10 km/6 mi northwest of Aidmon, near the Syrian border), where Patriarch John and his entourage were met with a very large popular reception before the entrance to the Temple of Saint Elias. The "Te Deum" service was held in the presence of the parish pastor, Priest Elias Shabib ; Major General Milad Isaac (representative of the Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun) ; and Mayor Gabi Ishak. Afterwards, as before, there were speeches. At this time, mention was made of the unexpected international silence after the abduction of the 2 Metropolitans of Aleppo. Again, gifts were exchanged. On this visit, as before, Patriarch John gave words of encouragement and hope to the people, who felt refreshed and strengthened by his exhortation.

Visit to Ramah

The next visit was to Ramah (about 5 km/3 mi south-east of Nahariya), the town where he had lived for some of his childhood (in the house of his maternal grandparents). Here, there was a family meeting with the people of the town and the parish, which was filled with such an atmosphere of joy that the atmosphere resembled an Antiochian wedding : it was bathed in the language of affection. Once again, at the entrance to the Temple of the Icon Our Lady of Deliverance, the patriarch was greeted, and the "Te Deum" was offered within the Temple. Present were Representatives Hadi Hobeish and Wahbi Qatisha ; former Minister Yaqoub Sarraf ; Hassan Shandab (representative of the former Minister Major General Ashraf Rifi) ; former MP Nidal Tohme ; Colonel Robert Fedaoui (representative of the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun) ; Metropolitan Basil of Akkar ; Bishop Silwan (Moussa) of Jbeil and Batroun and their dependencies ; Bishop Dmitri (Sharbek) of Safita (of the Archdiocese of Tartous) in north-west Syria ; the parish Pastor, Priest Fouad Jallad ; Mayor Matanios al-Ra'i of Ramah ; a large crowd of residents of the town and its neighbourhood. There were also prayers for the abducted bishops, and for their families, and also for the recently-departed mother of Patriarch John. Speeches and an exchange of gifts followed. Words cannot describe the events as Heaven and earth seemed to embrace in this encounter. Then the Patriarch and the family visited the graves of his grandparents, where there was a prayer, and where he also laid a wreath of flowers at the monument of martyrs in the town. During this visit, the patriarch also inaugurated the new municipal building. A documentary film was shown about the intended clinic to be established in the town.

Visit to Sheikhlar

The next visit was to the town of Sheikhlar (about 5 km/3 mi east of Ramah). There, before the Temple of Saint Elias, Patriarch John and his entourage were met by Deputy Asaad Dergham ; former Minister Yaqoub Al-Sarraf ; the parish pastor Priest Seraphim Awad ; Joseph Abboud, the Mayor of Sheikhlar ; Dr. Rita Chidiac Wahba, and others. There were red carpets prepared, the ringing of bells, the singing of hymns, and the release of flying white doves of peace. After the greeting, they entered the Temple to offer the "Te Deum" service. As before, various speeches followed the prayers, and also an exchange of gifts and demonstrations of mutual affection.

Visit to Owainat

The next visit was to the town of Owainat (about 15 km/10 mi north-east of Sheikhlar), and to the Temple of the Theotokos. The people of the town prepared a solemn reception for the patriarch at the entrance to the churchyard. Everyone walked in a prayerful procession that surrounded Patriarch John. After the formal words of reception, they entered the Temple for the "Te Deum" service. Participating were Metropolitan Basilius ; Bishop Dmitri (Sharbek) of Safita, Syria (Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand) ; Archimandrite Romanos (El-Hanna), and many priests. Also present were former Minister Yacoub Al-Sarraf ; former deputy Nidal Tohme ; Mayor George Wahba ; other dignitaries and townsfolk. The service was followed as usual by various speeches. They all prayed for the establishment of peace in Lebanon. Then there was an exchange of gifts and more expressions of mutual affection.

Visit to Shadra

The final visit was at the border-town of Shadra (about 20 km/13 mi south-east of Owainat). This time, besides the ecclesiastical entourage, present also were : the representative of the President of the Lebanese Republic (General Michel Aoun) ; MP Asaad Dergham ; 2 representatives Hadi Hobeish and Wahbi Qatisha ; former Minister Yaqoub Al-Sarraf ; former MP Nidal Tohme ; military and security leaders ; Dr. Neamat El-Deeb, and others from various neighbouring villages and towns. They were received at the entrance to the town by Mayor Simon Hanna and members of the Municipal Council ; the parish pastor, Priest Jacob Jaber, and the Parish Council ; a large crowd of people who raised giant pictures of the bishops, and banners welcoming the patriarch and Metropolitan Bishop Basil. After the reception, His Beatitude laid a wreath at the memorial to the martyrs of the army in Shadra, and then he laid the foundation stone for the Shadra Public Garden, in the outer courtyard of the Atiya Jabour Municipal Palace. Then Patriarch John and all who had gathered went to the Monastery of Saint Jacob, which was at that time under construction. He was received by the administrator of the monastery, Deacon Joseph Jabr, who gave an explanation of the monastery and the stages of its construction. Then everyone walked in a Cross-procession which was accompanied by prayers, Paschal hymns, and lit candles ; and they arrived at the courtyard of the Temple of the Holy Prophet Elias. There, Patriarch John served a "Te Deum" service of thanksgiving. This was followed by various speeches which expressed mutual love, and which expressed the gratitude of the Faithful for the blessing of this archpastoral visit. As before, gifts were exchanged. As always, Patriarch John gave the people words of encouragement, joy, peace, and hope.

Patriarch John and Metropolitan Basilios laying the foundation stone (left) ; laying the wreath (right)

Within Saint Elias Temple, after the prayers

After the conclusion of this visit on 11 May, 2019, Patriarch John returned to the patriarchal headquarters.

Patriarch John marked his 65th birthday, 2020

On 1 January, 2020, Patriarch John (Yazigi) marked the 65th anniversary of his birth.

His brother, Metropolitan Paul/Boulos (Yazigi) had become Metropolitan of Aleppo in 2000. He was abducted by terrorists in 2013, and there was a report of his having been murdered in 2016. One of his sisters became a nun. All the siblings have been active in Church life.

Visit to Pope Francis in Rome, 2021

On 29 June-1 July, 2021, Patriarch John (Yazigi) was at Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church in Rome, Italy. He had travelled there (along with Metropolitan Silouan (Moussa) (of Mount Lebanon) and Archimandrite Parthenios (Al-Latti)) in order to meet with Pope Francis.

On 29 June, 2021, Patriarch John and his entourage were present during the papal celebration of a mass in Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on the occasion of the Feast-Day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. On that day also, there is an annual visit from the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

On 30 June, 2021, Patriarch John met with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.

The conversation at the private meeting between the Patriarch and the Pope touched upon the "Day of Prayer for Lebanon" to be held in the Vatican on 1 July, at the invitation of the Pope to all the heads of Christian communities in Lebanon. The meeting also touched on the situation of Christians in the Middle-East in all its aspects. Patriarch John expressed the Antiochian Orthodox point of view : tolerance, refusing introversion and exclusion, and building bridges of inclusion to all components.

Patriarch John commended the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church about the role played by the administration of the Roman Catholic headquarters in attempts to save Lebanon by exerting pressure for re-establishing a Lebanese government, and by supporting the combined proposals and consensus towards one united Lebanon in co-existence and citizenship. Further, the Patriarch outlined the situation in Syria, and he emphasised the necessity of the lifting of sanctions on Syria and Lebanon, since they affect the livelihood of the citizens very negatively.

The meeting touched on the matter of the abducted bishops of Aleppo, Syria, Boulos (Yazigi) and Yohanna (Ibrahim), and the necessity to reach the desired end of this case, which is still disregarded by the international community.

For his part, Pope Francis praised the pioneer role of the Church of Antioch in the region, and he affirmed the continuous endeavour of the Roman Catholic Church towards all that is for the good of Lebanon and the region.

Patriarch John at Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome

Holy Synod meeting in Lebanon, 2021

On 5-8 October, 2021, there was a regular meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Church of Antioch at the Balamand Monastery in Lebanon. After the conclusion of the meeting, the Holy Synod published a synopsis of the proceedings of that meeting.

Holy Synod of Antioch, 2021

Visit of Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), March, 2022

On 4 March, 2022, Patriarch John received at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Damascus, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. He arrived as envoy of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Kirill_(Gundyaev) Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia. Metropolitan Hilarion had arrived with a delegation from the patriarchate. Vicar-Bishops of the Church of Antioch in Damascus attended, together with Patriarch John.

There were several matters discussed during the meeting which are currently challenges for the Orthodox Church : several matters concerning the relationship and ties between the Church of Antioch and the Church of Russia ; the general situation in the region, especially in Syria and Lebanon ; the concerns about children in both countries ; and various other topical and important concerns.

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) visited Patriarch John (Yazigi)

— Titular Bishop of Al-Husn 1995-2008.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Archiocese of Homs.

— Metropolitan of Western and Central Europe 2008-2010. Preceded by : Metropolitan Gabriel (Saliby).

— Metropolitan of Europe 2010-2012. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Ignatius (al-Hoshi).

— Patriarch of Antioch and all the East 2012-____. Preceded by : Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim). Succeeded by : ____.

Reflections

Awards

Church

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st degree (Ukraine, 27 July, 2013) : For outstanding Church activities aimed at raising the authority of Orthodoxy in the world, and on the occasion of the celebration in Ukraine of the 1025th anniversary of the baptism of Kievan Rus.

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 1st degree (Russian Orthodox Church, 2014)

State

• Medal “Federation Council : 20 years” (Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, 2014)

• Order of the Star of Bethlehem (Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society, 2014)

• Prize of the International Public Fund for the Unity of Orthodox Peoples (for 2014 ; however, the award ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow on 20 February, 2015, with the participation of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia)

Writings

Published Books :

• “The Service of Baptism: A Historic, Theological and Liturgical Study” (Thessalonica, 1983) [in Greek] (in fulfilment of the PHD Thesis Requirements).

• “Principles of Byzantine Music” (Balamand, 1990) Second Edition 2001.

• “The Life of Saint Nectarios the Wonderworker” (Latakia, 1990).

• “Priesthood & Marriage of Priests” (Latakia, 1992)

• “Baptism as a Sacrament of Initiation into the Life in Christ” (Latakia, 1992).

• “The Liturgikon” (Saint George Al-Humayrah Patriarchal Monastery, 2001) Second edition 2005.

• “The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom” (Al-Humayrah Patriarchal Monastery, 2001).

• “The Prayers Before and After Holy Communion” (Saint George Al-Humayrah Patriarchal Monastery, 2003).

• “The Presanctified Liturgy” (Al-Humayrah Patriarchal Monastery, 2001).

• “Introduction to the Liturgical Families and Rites” (Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, 2003). (English)

• “Introduction to the Liturgical Families and Rites” (Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, 2003). (Arabic)

• “The Service of Matrimony : Past and Present” (Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, 2003).

• “The Paraklesis Service” (Balamand Patriarchal Monastery, 2004).

• “Liturgical Guide in Services and Prayers” (Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand, 2005).

• “Liturgical Sources” (Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand, 2005).

• “Church Praises” (The Diocese of Pyrgou, 2006).

• “Divine Worship” (The Diocese of Pyrgou, 2007).

• “The Service of the Diaconate” (Blemana Convent, 2007).

• “The Service of the Archbishops” (The Diocese of Pyrgou, 2007).

Translations by Patriarch John :

• “The life of Our Holy Righteous Mother Makrina, by Saint Gregory of Nyssa” (An-Nour Publications, 1984).

• ‘For Those Who Believe in Justification by Works, by Saint Mark the Monk’, in “Chapters in Prayers and Spiritual Life” (An-Nour, 1990).

Conferences :

• “The Meaning of the Church from an Eastern Point of View” (The Institute for Orthodox Studies, Cambridge, 2002).

• “Conference on Eastern Liturgics : The Mystery of Repentance” (Holy Spirit University, Kaslik, 2000).

• “The Hymnographic Contribution of the Antiochian Orthodox Church to the Byzantine Liturgical System during the 6th and 7th Centuries” (University of Balamand, 1999).

• “Conference on Liturgics : The Byzantine Divine Liturgy” (Holy Spirit University, Kaslik, 2004).

• “Lecture on the Occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Saint George Hospital : The Unmercenery Healers of the Church” (Beirut, 2002).

• “Lecture on the Occasion of the Annual Priests’ Convention of the Antiochian Christian Archdiocese of North America : Antioch – Its Theology and Pastoral Care” (Pennsylvania, 2002).

References

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015" (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.

Orthodoxwiki biography

Wikipedia biography

Patriarchate of Antioch biography

Arabic Wikipedia biography (in English)

Arabic Wikipedia biography (in Arabic)

Russian Wikipedia biography

Moscow Patriarchate web-site biography

Additional information :

Boosahda, Elizabeth, “Arab-American Faces and Voices : The Origins of an Immigrant Community” (Austin, Texas : University of Texas Press, 2003). ISBN : 0-292-70919-6.

Panchenko, Constantin A, ”Arab Orthodox Christians under the Ottomans : 1516-1831” (Jordanville, NY : Holy Trinity Seminary Press, 2016). ISBN : 978-1-942699-08-8.

Rustum, Dr. Assad, “The Church of the City of God, Antioch the Great” (Beirut : Al-Noor, 1958), part 3.

Treiger, A, and Noble, Samuel, “The Orthodox Church in the Arab world, 700-1700: An Anthology of Sources” (Chicago, IL : Northern Illinois University Press, 2014). ISBN-10 : 0875807011. ISBN-13 : 978-0875807010.

Zeitoun, Dr. Joseph, “History of Syria”

…… “History of the Holy Orthodox Church of Antioch”

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East web-site

Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Antioch

Orthodoxwiki list of Patriarchs of Antioch

Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate history of the Balamand Monastery

Syrianobserver.com article “Who’s Who : Patriarch John Yazigi

Two accounts about the election of Patriarch John X

Sana article about the election of Patriarch John X

2013 interview with “Russia Today”

Article about the “Territory of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem” including the definition for the Patriarchate of Antioch