Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch concluded

ATCHANEH, Lebanon — At the invitation of Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch convened at the Patriarchal Residence in Atchaneh, Lebanon between June 5-10.

The most important developments of the Church during the past two years were reviewed, and rapprochement between Syria and the Arab world was welcomed. Expediting the Lebanese presidential elections were also demanded.

The Holy Synod touched on the deteriorating economic and living situation in countries of the Middle East, which has exacerbated the youth migration. The need to intensify the Patriarchate efforts to support the Church in the Middle East and limit migration.

Due to the youth important role in the present and future of the Church, the importance of preserving their presence in the homeland was stressed. The need to activate the youth activities in all archdioceses was emphasized, as well as the necessity of preserving the Syriac identity.

The attendees discussed the proposal of unifying the date of celebrating Feast of Resurrection among all churches.

They also approved reorganizing the structure of the archdiocese of Central America by creating three archbishoprics under the administration of the archdiocese.

They also reviewed the most important church activities this year, on the 115^th anniversary of martyrdom of Mor Philoxenos d-Mabbugh (Manbij).

They declared that in 2024, the 13^th jubilee of passing away Mor Jirjis will be celebrated.