Patriarch of Jerusalem: The Holy Fire is the only hope for peace

Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: a screenshot from the Jerusalem Patriarchate video

Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: a screenshot from the Jerusalem Patriarchate video

On April 7, 2026, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem in his Easter message called the Holy Fire the only hope for the world, calling humanity to love and reconciliation, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.

At a time when the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is at the epicenter of a harsh trial, as war rages, His Beatitude, in his message, announces the joyful message of the Resurrection, which destroys death and gives life the dignity it is destined to have within God's Creation.

The Patriarch noted that amid ongoing trials and military conflicts, especially in the Middle East, the spiritual meaning of the Easter feast acquires special significance for the entire world.

"Amid the trials that afflict the world in general, and the Middle East region in particular, the light emanating from the Holy Sepulchre remains the only true hope, which calls everyone to peace, love and reconciliation," emphasized Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem emphasized that the Paschal message is addressed to all peoples and calls for preserving faith and striving for peace amid global upheavals.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Jerusalem Church announced Holy Week services at the monastic church.

UOC's Sign Church damaged in Kherson air strike

In Kherson, Russian airstrikes shatter windows and damage the façade of the UOC’s Church of the Sign.

Yelensky: Not recognizing OCU means indirectly denying Ukrainian statehood

Viktor Yelensky believes that Local Churches that do not recognize the OCU thereby indirectly fail to recognize Ukrainian statehood as well.

UOC Lavra priest urges believers to accept hardships with gratitude

Archpriest Heorhiy Boyko at the prayer vigil near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra recalled the sufferings of Great Martyr George the Victorious.

UOC honors patron saint of Kherson land

A Divine service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of Kherson on feast day of St. Barsanuphius of Kherson.

Nativity of John the Baptist Church of UOC damaged by shelling in Kharkiv

A church of the Kharkiv Eparchy (UOC) was damaged during another shelling.

Drabinko and Zinkevych arrive on Mount Athos

Representatives of Dumenko's religious organization are visiting the Holy Mountain.