July 31, 2015
Englewood, NJ: Metropolitan Hilarion attends Official Reception in Honor of Antiochian Patriarch John X’s Visit to U.S.

On Tuesday, July 29, at the Englewood, NJ residence of Metropolitan Joseph of New York & North America, head of the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America, an official reception was held in honor of the visit of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, to the U.S.

Taking part in the reception were representatives of the Ecumenical and Antiochian Patriarchates, the Orthodox Church in America, the Roman Catholic Church, the Syriac Catholic Church, and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Representing the Russian Orthodox Church were Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. Also attending the reception were diplomats from Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Georgia.

In his opening remarks, Metropolitan Joseph noted the importance of the visit of the Primate of the Antiochian Church to the United States, particularly during the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. His Beatitude, Patriarch John X spoke about the hardships being boldly faced by his flock, and urged all those present to speak openly about the difficult situation in the Middle East where those persecuted include Christians who have lived peacefully in the region with members of other faiths for two millennia. His Beatitude entreated peace for all those living in the Middle East.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese