Patriarch John X discusses regional situation with US Ambassador to Lebanon
The Patriarch of Antioch met with U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa in Balamand.
Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa on August 11, 2026, at the patriarchal residence in Balamand, according to the official Facebook page of the Antioch Patriarchate.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Elias Warrak, president of the University of Balamand, and Archimandrite Georges Yaacoub, abbot of the Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand.
Patriarch John X and the U.S. diplomat held a broad discussion on regional issues and current developments. The Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church expressed his appreciation to the ambassador for his role in facilitating communication and strengthening ties in the interests of Lebanon.
For his part, Michel Issa highlighted the role of Patriarch John X and the mission of the Antiochian Church in Lebanon and the wider region. He also emphasized the significant presence of Antiochian Orthodox faithful in North America.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Patriarch of Antioch earlier discussed peace and the future of Christians with Turkish officials.
