Patriarch John X of Antioch Concludes Historic Visit to Qatar

Patriarch John X arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha on March 26th, where he was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Qatar.

The visit featured a key meeting on March 27th at Lusail Palace, where Patriarch John X, accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasius of Laodicea, Archimandrite Porphyrios, and Deacon Hilarion, was received by His Highness Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. During this meeting, Patriarch John X expressed his desire for a visit to the Holy Church of St. Isaac the Syriac, St. George the Trophy-bearer, and St. Makarios of Jerusalem, which was then communicated to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Qatar.

On March 28th, Patriarch John X arrived at the church complex, where he was greeted by Archbishop Makarios, clergy, and faithful. He presided over the Patriarchal Vespers and the Fourth Stasis of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. The service was attended by a large congregation and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Andreas Nikolaidis.

Archbishop Makarios expressed the deep joy and respect of the Archdiocese for this historic visit. Patriarch John X reciprocated by expressing gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem for the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and emphasized the strong fraternal bonds between the Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Antioch, calling for prayers for Christians in the Middle East. Gifts were exchanged, including a pastoral staff from Patriarch John X and an icon of St. Isaac the Syrian from Archbishop Makarios.

Following the service, a reception and dinner were held, allowing for interaction between Patriarch John X, his entourage, and representatives of the Orthodox Communities of the Archdiocese.

Patriarch John X and his entourage departed from Hamad International Airport on March 29th. The visit served as a powerful demonstration of inter-church unity and support for the Christian community in the Middle East.