Dialogue between Christians and Muslims: the position of the Patriarchate of Antioch

Abstract

Middle Eastern Christians have been living in Muslim environment for centuries thus their contacts with the Muslim majority initiated in the second half of XIX century a creating of a model of coexistence with their Muslim neighbors. The Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch which presents the Asian part of the Arab world  have made a significant contribution to shaping the ideas of secular Arab nationalism and have played  prominent role in this process. Antioch Church confirms its pro-Arab and national positions and calls to find common ground between Christians and Muslims in the field of moral and mental outlook along with the strengthening of the foundations of coexistence in practical life  without going into doctrinal issues . The rhetoric of the Church seeks to reaffirm the Arab character of its flock, its overall fate of the Muslims and their commitment to "the spiritual values of the East." However, the same official church position emphasizes that the Orthodox are the indigenous population of the region, which played a significant role in all positive processes within "historical Syria". The secular elite of the Orthodox community uses the same arguments in an attempt to strengthen its position in the political and economic life in Syria and Lebanon and to confirm their right to participate in public life.