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The Antiochian Change Movement Calls for the Resignation of Patriarch John X Yazigi
The "Antiochian Change Movement" issued a statement calling for the resignation of Patriarch John X Yazigi from the patriarchal seat, citing his loss of spiritual and popular legitimacy.
The statement emphasized the close ties between the patriarch and the Assad regime, as well as the invalidity of his election process, noting that he did not meet the candidacy requirements specified in the internal laws of the Antiochian See. It also mentioned the direct intervention of Assad's intelligence services to include the patriarch's name, which led to clear manipulation of religious institutions to serve the regime's interests. This intervention "corrupted the sanctity of the electoral process, stripped the church of its independence, and caused the faithful to lose trust in their spiritual leaders."
The statement pointed to Patriarch Yazigi's approach to transforming the church from a spiritual beacon into a tool defending a repressive regime, asserting that he has made it "a political cover for the regime instead of a refuge for victims."
It also addressed the issue of the disappearance of Bishops Paul Yazigi and John Ibrahim, highlighting that many years have passed since their forced disappearance without the church making any serious efforts to uncover their fate.
In addition to calling for the resignation of Patriarch John X Yazigi, the movement demanded the initiation of an international investigation to reveal the fate of the kidnapped bishop and all those forcibly disappeared, and to hold accountable those responsible for these acts. It also called for an apology to the Syrian people and acknowledgment of responsibility for supporting the regime, along with a commitment to separating the church from politics.
