Patriarch John X Meets with Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai

 

Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox, heading a delegation, met with the Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai, at the Ministry of Religious Waqfs. The meeting was attended by Minister of Waqfs Mohammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri.

His Beatitude congratulated His Eminence on assuming the role of Grand Mufti, emphasizing the deep historical ties between the Patriarchate and the Office of the Fatwa. In turn, His Eminence welcomed Patriarch John and the accompanying delegation, affirming that Muslims and Christians form one family within a shared homeland.

The discussion touched on the importance of promoting a religious speech tolerance, rejecting extremism and fanaticism, and reinforcing the values of coexistence and citizenship at the roots if society. The meeting also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Muslims and Christians in Syria—a bond that has manifested throughout history and remains vividly present in collective memory.