On January 17, 2020, Patriarch John X of Antioch and all the East received priests and waqfs responsibles, forming a delegation from the Antiochian parishes of Iskenderun. The meeting took place in the Patriarchal Headquarters in Balamand in the presence of Patriarchal Vicar Efrem Maalouli.
The accompanying delegation conveyed to Patriarch John the greeting and love of the children of the Church of Antioch from its first cradle, the historical city of Antioch (Antakya) and its vicinity. They expressed their pride in the authenticity of faith that still stands for over two thousand years now, since the dawn of Christianity.
On his part, Patriarch John expressed his pride in the faith and authenticity of the community in modern Antioch. He stressed the role and duty of the Church there in caring for its children despite all the circumstances and in all places. Patriarch John conveyed his greetings and love to all the Antakya people in the brigade and in the Diaspora through the delegation.
Source: Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East