On the occasion of the great Feast of the Nativity of Christ, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, has issued his annual Christmas Encyclical, addressing the clergy and the faithful with a profound theological and pastoral message.
The Patriarch emphasizes that, “by divine good will from above,” the Church is once again deemed worthy to approach “the most sacred and joyous day of the Nativity according to the flesh of God the Word, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” He underlines that the Incarnation is not merely a historical event or a commemorative celebration, but “a unique and unrepeatable act of divine economy with eternal significance.” It is, he explains, an existential invitation from God to every human being to participate by grace in His life and to journey toward deification.
Out of ineffable love for humankind, the Word of God became flesh, revealing the incomparable value of the human person and opening the way for the renewal of all creation. Citing the Church Fathers, the Patriarch recalls that “we do not speak of a human being who was deified, but of God who became human,” stressing that the mystery of the Incarnation remains living and active in the life of believers, as Christ “is continually born” in the souls of those who receive Him.
Patriarch Theodore stresses that salvation and the joy of Christmas are not founded on human virtues or social ideals, but on the benevolent will and providence of God. For this reason, the angelic hymn “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” remains relevant in every age, even in a world afflicted by wars, social upheaval, and humanitarian crises—particularly on the African continent.
Special reference is made to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, and the broader social and economic hardships faced by many peoples. Nevertheless, the Patriarch affirms that the peace offered by Christ “does not depend on historical circumstances,” but is born within the human heart and radiates into the world through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
The Patriarch also underscores that the salvation brought by Christ is not imposed, but offered as a gift and an invitation to free communion with God. Divine grace precedes all, yet salvation is realized through the synergy of human freedom and will.
Particularly moving is his reference to the Flight of Christ into Egypt, presented not only as a historical event, but also as a timeless symbol of God’s protection of the persecuted and displaced. Egypt, which sheltered Joseph, the Theotokos, and the newborn Savior, is described as a “God-receiving manger” and a sign of universal hospitality. In this context, the Patriarch calls for tangible expressions of love toward refugees, especially the children of Africa, emphasizing that every act of service to the suffering human person is an offering to Christ Himself.
At the same time, Patriarch Theodore warns against the secularization of Christmas in the modern world, where the feast is often reduced to a consumer-driven event. He reminds the faithful that authentic celebration is a form of spiritual resistance to materialism and a true participation in the mystery of divine economy, renewing Christian consciousness and revealing humanity’s calling to deification.
The Incarnation, he notes, is inseparably linked to the Passion, the Resurrection, and the expectation of the “new creation.” The Church, as the Body of Christ and bearer of divine grace, is called to witness in the world to justice, peace, and love, offering the image of a society transformed by God’s presence. The Church’s presence in the world is not an escape from reality, but an active effort to transfigure human life through worship, service, and love.
Within this spirit, the Patriarch also refers to his participation in the commemorations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, prayers for peace in Rome, and his pastoral visits to Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Madagascar.
Concluding his Encyclical, Patriarch Theodore prays that the grace and mercy of the Incarnate Christ may accompany all, granting health, peace, and spiritual joy. He closes by recalling the prophetic words of Isaiah:
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given… and His name shall be called Messenger of Great Counsel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father.”
