His Beatitude JOHN X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, called for an emergency and extraordinary session of the Holy Synod of Antioch. The meeting, presided by His Beatitude, was held on October 8, 2024, at the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology-Balamand, in the presence of Their Eminences, the Metropolitans: Elias Aude (Beirut); Elias Kfoury (Tyre and Sidon); Silouan Moussi (Mount Lebanon); Basilios Mansour (Akkar); Ephrem Kyriakos (Tripoli and Koura); Silouan Oner (Britain); Antonios El Soury (Zahle and Baalbek) Athanasios Fahd (Lattakia); Jacques El-Khoury (Argentina); Efraim Malouli (Aleppo and Alexandretta); Niphon Saykali (Philippopolis); Gregorios Khoury (Homs); and Antonios Saad (Hauran). The Synod Fathers discussed the current situation in the region...

Ephesians 2:14-17 

Dear brothers and sisters,  may the Lord give you peace! 

We are gathered here at the end of a day of prayer, fasting and penance, at the end of one of the most difficult and painful years of recent times. 

This year we have cried out our horror at the crimes committed, starting with the events of October 7 exactly one year ago, in southern [Israel], which have left a deep wound in [Israelis] to this day.  

We raised our voice against the following turmoil of aggression, destruction, starving, suffering and death...

On Monday, October 7, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led an Hour of Prayer for Peace at the Pro-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate, in response to the Pope's call for the entire Catholic Church to observe a day of prayer, fasting, and repentance for global peace, with a special focus on the Holy Land.

His Beatitude Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah and Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Msgr. Carlos Malfa, Fr. Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, attended the prayer vigil, as well as several priests, religious sisters, seminarists, and official figures as well as the faithful of the diocese.

On Monday, September 24 / October 7, 2024, the Patriarchate celebrated the memory of the Holy First Martyr and Apostle Thecla.

On this feast, the Church commemorates Saint Thecla who came from the Iconion of Asia Minor and was taught the Christian faith by the Apostle Paul, whom she later followed in his tour. Because of her faith in Christ, she was subjected to many tortures, which she endured as an athlete of Christ and survived. She lived in her homeland, working miracles and evangelizing Christ until the age of ninety when a stone burst open and received her.

Saint John of Damascus composed a canon in her honor in the book of Minaion.

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Vartanants in Providence, assisted by HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian and HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian.

In his sermon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I emphasized the significance of Christ’s words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), urging believers to appreciate life as a divine gift and to live according to God’s commandments.

On Sunday, October 6th, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the inauguration ceremony for the newly renovated floor of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology at the Seminary of Beit Jala, and marking the beginning of the new academic year.

At the invitation of Fr. Bernard Bougie, the rector of the seminary, the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo , and Msgr. Youssef Matta Archbishop of Acre, Haifa, Nazareth and all of Galilee for Greek Melkite Catholics. The event was also attended by several Patriarchate priests, Mr. Hani Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Issa Kassis, Mayor of Beit Jala, and many faithful, including a number of employees of the Latin Patriarchate, the staff of the Seminary, and all those who contributed to the renovation of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology floor. 

Following the events in Lebanon, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, appealed to the international community and issued the following call for action:

Daily massacres continue to be committed by the [Israel] against innocent Lebanese civilians resulting in the forced displacement of more than 1.5 million Lebanese citizen from their towns and villages due to the destruction of their homes and means of survival. A new reality is emerging where misery is prevailing and many suffer in the midst of unrest and chaos. While we express our deep sorrow for the suffering endured by the Lebanese people, we strongly condemn this aggression. We offer our condolences for the families of the martyrs and pray for the recovery of the wounded, and for peace in Lebanon.

The new reality imposed by this unjust war on our country demands that we all show solidarity to help and protect those who were forced to leave their homes. It requires dedicated efforts to restore security and stability to Lebanon. The Lebanese people need to unite and stand together to avert dangers, achieve a unified Lebanon for all its people, and reach constitutional milestones, mainly the election of a new president without any delay and without any foreign interference...

His Holiness Pope Francis leads the recitation of a Rosary for peace at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and prays that violence and hatred may be extinguished from human hearts.

By Devin Watkins

“Transform the hearts of those who fuel hatred, silence the din of weapons that generate death, extinguish the violence that brews in the heart of humanity, and inspire projects for peace in the actions of those who govern nations.”

His Holiness Pope Francis made that supplication for peace on Sunday evening as he prayed the Rosary at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

He was joined by participants in the Synod on Synodality taking place in the Vatican this month.

His Holiness Pope Francis says that “in this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” the Christian community is reminded of its call to "put itself at the service of humanity".

By Joseph Tulloch

His Holiness Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for on October 7, the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the [Israel]-Hamas war.

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed profound concern over escalating violence in Lebanon and Gaza, and reaffirmed the WCC’s commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all peoples. 

On October 4th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, accompanied by his pontifical delegation, arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, where the parish father and local community representatives warmly received him. Later in the same evening, guided by police, His Holiness visited Saints Vartanants Church, where many parishioners eagerly awaited his arrival.

The Greek Orthodox Holy Synod of Jerusalem was convened on Thursday, October 3, at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and was chaired by His Beatitude the Patriarch of the Holy City, Theophilos III, in the presence of the members of the Holy Synod.

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III discussed with the members of the Holy Synod several issues related to the administrative, ecclesiastical and pastoral affairs of the Patriarchate that serve the Patriarchate, its monasteries, churches, clergy and people. His Beatitude and the Fathers of the Holy Synod also discussed the painful events and difficult times that we are going through in the Holy Land and the region, offering prayers and imploring divine mercy for the peace of the world…

Mark 10:2-16

In today's Gospel reading (Mark 10:2-16), we see that Jesus, now in Judea (Mark 10:1), is approached by some Pharisees who question Him about whether a man is permitted to divorce his wife. 

We can begin to understand this passage from the opening of the dialogue, where the Pharisees ask if it is lawful to divorce (Mark 10:2). Shortly after, they mention that Moses permitted them to write a divorce certificate to separate from their wives (Mark 10:4).  

The Pharisees are focused on understanding what is allowed and what is forbidden by the Law. They don't believe they can discern such matters on their own, using their conscience before God. Nor do they recognize that it is within the depths of the heart that God reveals the one true law He has given to humanity—the law of love.  

These questions reflect an entirely different perspective on faith, one's relationship with God, and life as a whole. For the Pharisees, faith is about adhering to specific rules and remaining within defined boundaries. Once these are observed, they believe they can feel at peace with God and others. 

His Holiness Pope Francis, at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, emphasises the need for a humble and synodal Church guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission of peace and forgiveness in the world.

By Vatican News

In his address at the opening of the second session of the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis reflected on the journey of the Church since the Synod's inception in 2021. 

On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, arrived in the United States for a Pontifical visit to the Eastern Armenian Diocese. At the New York Airport, he was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, along with Aram Sarafian, Chair of the National Representatives Assembly, and reverend fathers from the diocese…

In his homily during Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Second Session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis emphasizes the need for hearts open to dialogue and the importance of the harmony that comes from the Holy Spirit.

By Christopher Wells

His Holiness Pope Francis’ homily for the opening Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod focused on the images of “voice, refuge, and a child”.

In his reflection for the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, the Pope recalled God’s command “to listen to the voice of the Angel He had sent.”

His Holiness Pope Francis releases his Prayer intention for the month of October "for a shared mission," and calls on all faithful in whatever vocation they may have to do their best to contribute to a sense of co-responsibility in the Church.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

His Holiness Pope Francis' monthly Prayer intention for October is for "a shared mission."

The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month's The Pope Video, which is entrusted to the entire Catholic Church through the  Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.

On September 28, 2024, the Catholic Church marked the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, focusing on the difficulties faced by those forcibly displaced or seeking better lives in foreign lands. Hence, a Mass was held at the Notre Dame Hall of Jerusalem, for the Catholic Christian Migrants and Asylum Seekers who are an integral part of the Church of Jerusalem. 

The Mass was presided over by His Eminence Monsignor Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, along with Fr. Matthew Marcel Coutinho, SDB, Patriarchal Vicar for Migrants and Asylum Seekers, in the presence of several diocesan priests. In unity of the faith they prayed, shared in each other’s struggles and joys, and inspired one another to be witnesses of God's love amid the challenges faced in the country. This year's theme, "God walks with his people," encourages a "synodal" approach within the Church and the world, reminding us that God journeys with us toward our heavenly home. 

On September 29, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, inaugurated "Dar Sharqi Guesthouse" in Bab Sharqi - Damascus, Syria.

The inauguration was also attended by Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Theophilos George Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Christophoros Markose, Patriarchal Secretary for the Affairs of the Church in India, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

This Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48) consists of two events that appear to have little in common.

Initially, we witness the disciples' frustration due to seeing a group of people, who did not belong to their circle, casting out demons in Jesus' name (Mk 9:38-41). Mark recounts that John approaches Jesus to report the situation and expresses their desire to stop them from doing so.

In the second part, we hear Jesus speak about the seriousness of causing scandal, specifically addressing those who create obstacles to the faith of the little ones (Mark 9:41-43, 45, 47-48).

A key to understanding this is found in a phrase that appears multiple times in the second part: it is the expression Jesus uses to describe the ultimate goal of the journey we are all called to—"to enter into life" or "to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 9:43, 45, 47).

This is the Father's will and God's gift: that we enter into life, live it to the fullest, and offer it in love, just as Christ did.

Last Sunday, we learned that our lives can be lived fully and beautifully when we embrace the standards of the Gospel, which reject the notions of greatness and power. Instead, we are called to receive and express gratitude for all things, much like children...