Patriarch John X In Samandag

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As part of his pastoral visit to the region, HB John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, visited the village of Samandag, where he joined its faithful in celebrating the feast of their church’s patron, the great martyr Saint George the Trophy-Bearer.

In the presence of His Beatitude, Bishop Arsanios Dahdal celebrated the Divine Liturgy assisted by all the local priests. At the end of the service, His Grace delivered a homily that highlighted the effects of the Holy Resurrection in our Christian life, drawing inspiration from the life of Saint George to highlight the meaning of sacrifice and self-offering for Christ, affirming that bearing witness to the faith is the only path to conquering death.

For his part, Mr. Cem Akgül, president of the parish association, gave a moving welcome address on behalf of the people of Samndag. He noted that this was His Beatitude’s second historic visit to the parish, and said: “Your Beatitude, your presence and moral support are the fortress that protects us from feeling alone. They are the undeniable proof of your care to preserve our heritage. We await with you the day when our churches will rise again, and we draw strength from your paternal leadership to persevere.”

At the close of the Liturgy, His Beatitude delivered a paternal word, expressing pride and joy in the parishioners, saying: “Together with our brother bishops Athanasios Fahd (Latakia) and Ephraim Maalouli (Aleppo), we take pride in your steadfast faith and rejoice in your genuine belonging to this venerable Antiochian Church, in which you have endured despite all trials.” “The Church is first and foremost the community of believers,” he stressed, affirming that the highest priority is “to build up people before the temple, despite its importance.”

After the Liturgy, His Beatitude met with the parishioners in the Church of Saint Thecla.