“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5: 9)

With this holy verse, I extend my paschal greetings to all relatives, friends and companions on this long journey, to all humanity and governments, especially to countries involved in various ways in the devastating wars raging across the world today – in Eastern Europe, between Russia and Ukraine, and particularly in the Middle East, where war is raging between several countries, including Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other Arab countries and Iran and the United States of America.

I appeal to all nations and leaders, heads of state, parties and individuals, with this verse that Jesus himself addresses to all of humanity that has lived through generations of wars raging here and there, east, west, north and south, claiming the lives of millions of every race, colour, religion, and belief.

This is God’s call to humankind, though humanity disregards it. It is a call we find in all religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and even paganism.

How long shall we turn a deaf ear to this call for peace, which is the greatest good for humankind, and the means whereby good is achieved for every person: “O Lord our God, give us peace: for thou hast rendered to us all things.” (Isaiah 26:12 LXX)

All faiths call for peace, and the holy days of all denominations appeal for peace, love, fellowship, solidarity, co-operation and building a better world, in which the spirit of love and righteousness prevails. A few days ago, Muslims celebrated Eid-al-Fitr, Jews Passover, and we Christians are celebrating Pascha and the glorious Resurrection.

To all, I extend this spiritual greeting, for we are all called to be messengers of love and peacemakers. Thus, we are children of God, the God of peace.

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Gregorios III,
Patriarch Emeritus