Synod Meeting: 5-7 October 1999
To read the official statement in Arabic
as taken from An-Nahar Newspaper, Click here
Note: The following is not an official translation of the Statement
From 5 to 7 October 1999, the Holy Synod of Antioch met in the Patriarchal Headquarters in Damascus. His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV presided over the meeting, in the presence of Their Eminences, the Holy Fathers, Members of the Holy Synod: Elias (Tripoli and El-Koura), Philip (New York and North America), Spiridon (Zahle and Baalbek), Constanitne (Baghdad and Kuwait), George (Byblos and Batroun), Elias (Aleppo and Iskandaron), John (Lattakya), Elias (Beirut), Paul (Akkar), Elia (Hamah), Elias (Tyre and Sydon and Marjiyoun), Sergios (Chili), Antonios (Mexico), Kyrillos (Argentine), Damaskinos (Sao Paolo), Saba (Bosra, Hawran and Jabal El-Arab).
After the opening prayers and the asking of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Fathers said a prayer for the Thrice Blessed Metropolitan Alexis of Homs. Then the Holy Synod elected Archimandrite Paul (Saliba) Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Sydney and all Australia. This Archdiocese became vacant upon the falling asleep in the Lord of the Thrice Blessed Bishop Gibran (Rimlaoui). Also, the Holy Synod elected Bishop George (Abou Zakhm) Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Homs. This Archdiocese became vacant upon the falling asleep in the Lord of the Thrice Blessed Metropolitan Alexis (Abed El-Karim). In addition, the Holy Synod elected Archimandrite Ghattas (Hazim) as Patriarchal Vicar, and named him Titular Bishop of Kara. Archimandrite Luke (Khoury) was elected Assistant Bishop in the Patriarchate's Headquarters, and named Bishop of Saydnaya.
Then the Holy Synod reviewed the minutes and looked thoroughly into the necessity of the continuous exchange of experiences among Archdioceses, holding common meetings among priests and organizing general activities for the laity.
As for the External Relations of the Antiochian See, whether with the other autocephalous Orthodox Churches, with the other sister Christian Churches, or with ecumenical organizations, the Holy Synod decided to establish an office of for external relations in the Patriarchal Headquarters.
Then the Synod read the reports of different Archdioceses, and discussed the situationof the Archdioceses in the Immigrant Land. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip gave a presentation on the activities of the Archdiocese of North America, especially about the areas of missions, pastoral life, and publications. He also spoke about the last Convention which was attended by His Beatitude and the Patriarch's pastoral visit.
Also, a detailed presentation was given about the situation of the Archdiocese of Bosra, Hawran, and Jabal El-Arab. His Eminence Metropolitan Saba spoke about the great thirst of our children in that area for all kinds of pastoral life. His Eminence emphasized the necessity of exchange between his Archdiocese and the rest of the Antiochian Archdioceses, inviting them to organize visits to this area rich in its ancient Christian heritage.
Also, the Holy Synod listened to a report on the Archdiocese of Baghdad presented by His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine.
Then the Holy Synod received a detailed report on the activities of St. John of Damascus Seminary in Balamand, given by its Dean the Right Reverend Archimandrite Paul Yazigi. The Synod took a decision to thank the Dean for his report and support his fruitful efforts in the field of the development of theological education.
The Holy Fathers looked into the situation in Lebanon and praised the efforts extended to establish the stability. They emphasized the necessity of stopping the futile political arguments, and the importance of working towards the improvement of the hard economic situation which the Lebanese suffer. Also, the Fathers saw that it is normal and legal for the Palestinians in the Diaspora to return to their homeland.
The Synod ended its meeting with prayer.
