On Wednesday, November 27, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa departed for Constantinople at the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He was invited to take part in the celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the convening of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea.
Before traveling to Nicaea, the Patriarch participated in a major peace assembly organized by the Sant’Egidio peacebuilding community in Rome. The closing ceremony took place at the Colosseum, where thousands of Christians were martyred. As the keynote speaker, the Patriarch spoke about the importance of peace in the world, urging that “all together, as one family, we must protect life and stop casting out words like bombs that have the power to destroy centuries of coexistence and mutual understanding.” He also emphasized the necessity of peaceful coexistence among Christians and the importance of seeking new paths of dialogue with trust in God. He reminded his listeners that the “today” of Christians is always a preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven.
He stated characteristically, “My brothers, we now stand at a critical point. This is the time for deeds, not words; actions, not vague and hypocritical expressions of goodwill. Each of us must measure himself against his responsibilities before God, history, and the ‘least of the Lord’s brethren.’ Peaceful coexistence is our only choice, as well as the essential condition for revealing the hidden potential of Christians, so that together, we may build a better tomorrow for the good of humanity and for the glory of the Lord.”
During his visit to Rome, the Patriarch held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The two primates discussed various issues concerning their historic churches and the upcoming assembly in Nicaea. They emphasized the importance of their presence and the significant message they must deliver to a world longing for joy, peace, hope, love, effort, faith, mutual understanding, and respect.
We await the great and historic assembly in Nicaea, convened at the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and the message that will be addressed to the devout and faithful people of the Lord.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
