With great solemnity, the Third Sunday of Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, was celebrated on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint Nicholas in Hamzawi, Cairo.
Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the service of Orthros and subsequently officiated at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Metropolitan Nikolaos of Hermopolis, Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, Metropolitan Savvas of Nubia, Bishop Joachim of Kigali and Rwanda, and Bishop Stephanos of Hippo.
Before the conclusion of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, the Elevation of the Precious Cross took place, during which the faithful reverently approached to venerate the Cross, symbol of victory and salvation, and to receive spiritual strength for the remainder of the Holy and Great Lent.
Among those present at the Divine Liturgy were the Ambassador of Greece to Egypt, Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Egypt, Mrs. Poly Ioannou, and representatives of the Greek community and its collective organizations in the city, who honored this sacred day with their presence.
In his address, the Patriarch spoke about the day’s profound theological and spiritual meaning, emphasizing that the Precious Cross is the eternal sign of God’s love for humankind and a source of support for every believer amid life’s struggles and trials. He stressed that at the midpoint of the Holy and Great Lent, the Church presents the Cross of the Lord as a source of strength, hope, and consolation, calling the faithful to continue their spiritual struggle with faith, humility, and love.
With particular emotion, the Patriarch also referred to the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s missionary work across Africa and to his forthcoming pastoral visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which begins on Tuesday. This pastoral journey reflects his paternal care and love for the flock.
At the same time, the Patriarch did not fail to refer, with deep emotion, to the difficult circumstances faced by the peoples of neighboring Middle Eastern countries. With a spirit of pastoral concern, he stressed that the Church of the Apostle Mark continuously raises her hands and eyes toward God, praying for the prevalence of peace, reconciliation, and harmony among the peoples.
The Patriarch also offered a fervent supplication from the blessed land of the Nile, the land that once sheltered the persecuted Christ, that the God of love may soon grant peace, stability, and brotherhood throughout the entire Middle East.
Concluding his address, the Patriarch prayed that the blessings of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross may strengthen all in the spiritual struggle of Great Lent and lead the faithful, through the path of sacrifice and love, to the unwaning and life-giving light of the Resurrection.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
