On the eve of Orthodox Easter — which in 2025 is celebrated on the same day by both Eastern and Western Churches, April 20 — Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem delivered his Easter message to the faithful.

The head of the Jerusalem Church proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ with "ineffable joy and gratitude" — a triumph of life over death and hope over despair. He reminded believers that Christ voluntarily accepted suffering and death on the Cross out of love for humanity, shedding His "God-inspired blood" and was buried in the very Tomb where, on Easter night, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated.

The Patriarch emphasized that the Risen Lord did not abandon the world: after His Ascension into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit, through whom the Church was founded. This Church, he said, is the continuation of Christ's mission on earth — a mission of "ministry, reconciliation, unity, and the salvation of humankind."

"This is what is carried out daily in the holy places — in the Mother of all Churches, on Holy Zion, at the life-giving Tomb of the Lord," said the Patriarch. "From here, we bless all believers scattered across the world and pilgrims who have come here from every corner of the earth, proclaiming together: Christ is Risen!"

The Easter message concludes with a call for peace, grace, and unity in faith — the gifts brought by the risen Christ.