On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa received the Holy Light, which had arrived in Egypt a few days earlier from the Most Holy Sepulchre.
Upon receiving the Holy Light, the Patriarch lit the perpetual vigil lamp of the Sacred Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodore, within the Patriarchal Cathedral, and offered prayers to the Lord for the peace of the entire world, that the unwaning Light of the Resurrection may illuminate the hearts of all people and grant peace, love, and hope to the whole world.
The Patriarch also offered prayers and conveyed his heartfelt wishes to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine, as well as to the entire Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.
Deeply moved, he emphasized the profound significance of the fact that, despite the difficulties affecting the region, the Holy Light continues to emerge each year on Holy Saturday from the Most Holy Sepulchre, as an undeniable testimony that the Resurrection of Christ remains the source of joy, light, and hope for all humanity.
It is noted that the Holy Light arrives in Egypt each year from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre via the Taba–Eilat border crossing, carried by devout pilgrims who are present in the Holy Land during Holy Week and the celebration of the Resurrection.
Immediately after the Patriarch received the Holy Light, its distribution began to all the parishes of the great city of Alexandria.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
