His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated the heads of the Ancient Eastern Churches, who celebrate Easter on April 12 in 2026. Among the recipients of the congratulatory messages are His Holiness Patriarch Tawadros II of Copts, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Ephraim II of the Syrian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Matthias of Ethiopia, and His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Basil of Eritrea.
Addressing them with the words of the ancient church greeting "Christ is Risen!", His Holiness Patriarch Kirill emphasized that the resurrection from the tomb of the Savior of the World is the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, grace and righteousness over sin and lawlessness.
"On this blessed and holy day, we give special praise to God, who is glorified in the Trinity, for the incorruptible and blessed eternity granted to us, for, according to the word of the Apostle Paul, as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will come to life (1 Cor 15:22)," said the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
His Holiness wished the heads of the Ancient Eastern Churches good health, peace of mind, and the abundant help of the Lord Jesus in their continued high ministry.

Photo by Oleg Varov