Department for External Church Relations
The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy
DECR chairman sends Easter greetings to the heads of non-Orthodox Christian Churches
DECR Communication Service, 05/04/2026
On 5th April 2026, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, sent Easter greetings to the heads of non-Orthodox Christian Churches celebrating the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ on that day. Among the addresses were: Pope Leo XIV; Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; Mar Awa III, Catholicos and Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East; Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia; Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan; Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem; Sahak II Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople; Béchara Boutros Cardinal Raï, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East; Youssef I Absi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church; Raphaël Bedros XXI, Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia, Head of the Armenian Catholic Church; Tapio Luoma, Archbishop of Turku and Finland, Primate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The text of the message is given below.
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.
On this festive occasion, I wish you good health, spiritual joy and blessed help from God in your lofty service.
With love in the Risen Christ,
Chairman
Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate
Patriarch
Department Chairman
Sermons
26.07.2026
22.07.2026
21.07.2026
20.07.2026
24.01.2021
06.11.2020