Syrian transitional president visits Greek Orthodox patriarch in Damascus

ACI MENA, Oct 28, 2025 / 11:32 am

In a sign of diversity and coexistence in post-transition Syria, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi of Antioch and All the East on Sunday received Ahmad al-Shar’a, the head of Syria’s transitional administration, at the patriarchal residence in Damascus.

Al-Shar’a was accompanied by Maher al-Shar’a, secretary-general of the presidency, and Maher Marwan Idlibi, governor of Damascus, at the Oct. 26 meeting.

According to a post published on the official X account of the Syrian presidency, the purpose of the visit was to “learn about the situation of the Christian community.” The presidency added that the visit “reflects the shared commitment to strengthen national values and foster unity among the people of the nation.”

During the meeting, Yazigi presented to Al-Shar’a the so-called “Muhammadan Covenant” or “Prophetic Charter,” a document attributed to the Prophet Muhammad said to guarantee the religious and social rights of Christians. Although scholars debate the authenticity of the text and whether it dates back to the seventh century, the patriarch’s reference to it served as a symbolic call to renew efforts to protect Christians and build bridges of understanding between Muslims and Christians.

For his part, Al-Shar’a wrote in the patriarchal guest book the Quranic verse “You will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.”

He concluded with the inscription: “Damascus is the cradle of the first coexistence known to humanity… Preserving it is a covenant, a pledge, and a duty… With all love.”

Although it was not the first encounter between Al-Shar’a and Christian religious leaders, the meeting was significant because it was his first official visit to a church since taking office in January. It also marks his second meeting with Yazigi, the spiritual leader of Syria’s largest Christian community.

Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, was the first patriarch to meet with Al-Shar’a in April. Aphrem recently described that meeting as “constructive and positive,” saying: “We were able to understand from President al-Shar’a his direction and vision. He certainly provided us with reassurances about Syria’s future, a Syria that embraces all its sons and daughters.”

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.