During the grand consecration of the Orthodox Church dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy" in the Lebanese city of Zahlé, Patriarch John X of Antioch sent a heartfelt message recognizing the historical significance of the Russian Orthodox Church and expressing concern for the suffering of Orthodox believers caught in the midst of contemporary conflicts.

The message, read by Archimandrite Georgios Yakoub, Abbot of the Patriarchal Monastery of Balamand, emphasized the enduring support the Russian Orthodox Church has provided to the Antiochian Church over the centuries—from the time of the Russian Empire to the present day. Patriarch John X also extended warm greetings to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, along with the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In his address, Patriarch John highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by people in areas of armed conflict. He particularly mentioned the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whose members, as stated in the message, "pay a high price for their faith" through the closure of churches, confiscation of property, and the prohibition of religious life.

The Patriarch reiterated that the Church is a "witness to the Truth of Christ," deriving its strength not from political alliances but from the Gospel. He affirmed that the Antiochian Church will remain steadfast in its commitment to this path. He also acknowledged the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and once again called attention to the plight of the kidnapped bishops of Aleppo, whose fate remains uncertain.

The message concluded with words of support and blessing for the residents of Zahlé, where the newly constructed church, designed in the Russian architectural style, stands as a symbol of the fraternal bonds between the Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Churches. The church also represents a shared faith and a hopeful prayer for peace in a troubled world.

This event marked a significant moment in Orthodox Christian unity, highlighting the deep historical ties and ongoing solidarity between the two Churches amid the challenges of the modern era.