Patriarch of Antioch Discusses Regional Situation with US Ambassador to Lebanon
Patriarch John X received US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa at Balamand.
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X received US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa on August 11, 2026, at the patriarchal residence in Balamand. This was reported on the official Facebook page of the Antiochian Patriarchate.
The meeting was attended by the Rector of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, and the Abbot of the Monastery of Our Most Holy Lady of Balamand, Archimandrite George Yaakub.
Patriarch John X and the American diplomat held a broad discussion of regional issues and current events. The Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his role in facilitating communication and strengthening ties in the interests of Lebanon.
In turn, Michel Issa noted the role of Patriarch John X and the mission of the Antiochian Church in Lebanon and the region. He also emphasized the significant presence of Antiochian Church faithful in North America.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Patriarch of Antioch had earlier discussed peace and the future of Christians with the authorities of Turkey.
