On Holy Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa sent festive greetings to the Primates of the Churches of all Christian denominations in the Middle East.
The Patriarch of Love extended his wishes to the Primates of the Middle Eastern Churches, that the unfading Light of the Resurrection may illuminate and warm the hearts of all, strengthening hope and healing the wounds of the world.
He offered heartfelt prayers and supplications to the Risen Lord for our suffering brothers and sisters, especially the peoples of the Middle East, who in many regions are experiencing periods of pain, uncertainty, and trial.
With a heart full of love and deep compassion, the Patriarch emphasized that, amid trials and conflicts, the Resurrection of Christ emerges as the sole steadfast source of hope and life, calling all to a path of reconciliation, solidarity, and active love.
He also pointed out that true peace cannot be imposed, but flourishes in the hearts of people when inspired by the light of the Risen Lord and when they consciously choose the path of dialogue and reconciliation.
In prayer, the Patriarch implored that the Lord of Glory grant wisdom and enlightenment to the rulers and leaders of the world, so that they may labor tirelessly to find just and peaceful solutions, ending suffering and injustice and offering rest to our weary and afflicted brothers and sisters.
Specifically, the Patriarch conveyed his Easter greetings to Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Jacobites, Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia of the Armenians, Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac of the Coptic Catholics of Alexandria, Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III of Antioch of the Syrian Catholics, Patriarch Joseph of Antioch and All the East of the Melkites, Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi of Antioch and All the East of the Maronites, Patriarch Raphael KA of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics, Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East, and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem.
Furthermore, Patriarch Theodore II sent festive greetings to Archbishop Samy Fawzy of the Anglican Church in Egypt, Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Church of Egypt, and Dr. Michel Abs, Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches.
In conclusion, the Patriarch, with profound emotion, called upon all to make the Resurrection a force for transforming the world, so that love may triumph over hatred, hope over despair, and peace over every conflict, proclaiming: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
