Patriarch's Homilies

The Great Lent Encyclical 2026

With the beginning of Great Lent, we pray to Christ, bowing to Him the knee of both our soul and body. We open to Him the doors of our souls and address Him thus: “O Heavenly Bridegroom, come and be with us as we sail in life, while our ship which is battered by the waves of this troubled world. Be with us, O Lord, and secure the sail of our souls, that it may not be torn away by the winds of this world, nor confused by the falsehood of its might. Be with us, O God, grant peace to us and to Your world, and by the power of Your silence still the deceitful noises of this world, entangled in its selfishness and passions. Be with us and grant peace to our souls, to our homes, and to our countries. Anoint with the oil of Your divine consolation all who are in distress, hardship, or illness. Bless and protect our children and our families. Have mercy on us and on Your world, and receive into Your mercy the souls of those who have gone before us to the place of Your holy light. For You are Blessed and glorified unto the ages of ages. Amen.