DECR chairman extends Paschal greetings to heads of Oriental Churches celebrating Easter on April 12

DECR Communication Service, 12/04/2026

Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, sent greetings to the Primates of the Oriental Churches that celebrated Easter on 12^th April 2026. Among his addressees were His Holiness Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church; His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, head of the Syrian Orthodox Church; His Holiness Patriarch Abune Mathias of Ethiopia; and His Holiness Patriarch Abune Basilios of Eritrea.

The letter reads, in particular:

“On the radiant day of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I cordially greet you with these words full of Paschal joy: Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

“Today we glorify again the Risen Son of God Who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification (Rom 4:25) on the third day. Through His Passion on the cross and His victory over death, the Saviour granted to the world the hope of renewal and reconciliation with the Maker.

“As the shadow cast over humanity by divisions and the loss of spiritual guiding principles is becoming increasingly darker, it is especially important to hear the glad tidings of Easter, which is a message of hope, mercy and life’s triumph over death. May the joy of the Resurrection inspire us to bear witness to Christ’s peace and His uncreated love.”

Metropolitan Anthony wished to the heads of the Oriental Churches good health, spiritual joy and blessed help from God in their lofty service.

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DECR chairman extends Paschal greetings to heads of Oriental Churches celebrating Easter on April 12

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons