“Faith is Between You and God, but the Country is for All People”. Antiochian Orthodox Church: Yesterday and Today

This article was written by students of St. Petersburg Theological Schools who arrived to study from the Syrian Republic. The article provides general information about the history and current situation of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, in particular in the Middle East. The features of the “Antioch church mentality” and the elements of church governance are indicated. Also, made is a brief review of important historical church events from modern life: the activities of Patriarch John X, and the actions of the Church during the Syrian conflict. Particular attention is paid to the Orthodox youth movement, which has significantly changed the condition of the flock in the patriarchy. The second part of the article consists of the personal thoughts of the Syrians students Elias Bittar and Majeed Raffoul. They reflect on interfaith relations and the significance of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in the Middle East.