The Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East, and COVID-19 : Impact and Responses

ABSTRACT

This article, following a brief historical background about the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East (SOCA), endeavours to provide a summary of the actions taken by SOCA’s Patriarchate in some of its archdioceses worldwide to lessen the impact of lockdowns on SOCA’s faithful, including but not limited to the learning and teaching of children within SOCA. The article highlights the work done especially in Australia to ensure that the impact of COVID-19 on the church and its faithful was as minimal as possible. The article concludes with a brief discussion highlighting the lessons learned from this difficult period in the lives of SOCA, the community, and the world. © 2022 World Council of Churches.