Patriarch John from Arsuz



Patriarch John from Arsuz:
"The Resurrection is an act of love, embrace, and sheltering."
Arsuz, April 23, 2026
 
HB John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, offered a prayer of thanksgiving in Arsuz, in the prefabricated parish church built within a housing complex for displaced families following the earthquake of February 6, 2023.
Metropolitan Athanasios Fahd (Metropolitan of Latakia and its dependencies) concluded the prayer with a homily inspired by the presence of the risen Lord among His disciples. He emphasized that Christ’s Resurrection dispelled their fear and transformed it into great joy. He stressed that this same Resurrection impels us today to proclaim joy and hope to the whole world, no matter how dire the tribulations.
Mr. Jamil Turan, president of the parish association, followed with an address expressing the parish’s gratitude to His Beatitude, saying: “We thank you for kindling the first flame for building the houses and the temporary church. This initiative has become a refuge for sheltering the displaced and those affected from all regions, who, through shared life, have become our brothers in tribulation and hope.” He also extended thanks to all who contributed by hand and heart to this humanitarian act.
His Beatitude also expressed overflowing joy at being among his children during these blessed Paschal days, saying: “We do not know despair, for we are children of the Resurrection and joy. Our faith is tested in crises and emerges even purer.” He thanked the parishioners for their genuine embodiment of the teachings of the Holy Gospel, opening their homes and hearts to shelter and embrace their displaced brothers from various regions, considering this work the true fulfillment of the Gospel’s teaching. His Beatitude offered a greeting of gratitude and appreciation to all the helping hands that joined to translate faith into an act of sheltering and building.
The visit concluded with His Beatitude’s blessing upon the parish, amid feelings of pride in belonging to an Antiochian community whose trials have only deepened its unity and faith.
Afterward, His Beatitude and the accompanying delegation departed for Mersin.