Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a Christmas message emphasizing that Christianity should promote peace and reconciliation, not fanaticism and confrontation. He called for unity, love, and solidarity while stressing the importance of dialogue and resolving divisions within the Christian world. He also mentioned the upcoming 2026 commemoration of the 1400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn, indicating a special observance by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Here is the message:
As we once again reach the great feast of the Nativity, we glorify the condescension of the Son and Word of God, our Savior and Redeemer, joining the Angels in proclaiming: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Christ presented Himself as “Immanuel,” embodying “God with us” and “God for us,” drawing near to each of us, even closer than ourselves. The eternal Logos, consubstantial with the Father, affirmed by the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—held 1700 years ago and celebrated last year—became incarnate through the Holy Spirit and Virgin Mary, aiming to elevate humanity.
The Christmas troparion heralds the coming of Christ as the dawn of “the light of knowledge” upon the world, unveiling the “super-rational and universal meaning” of life and history. It asserts that only the Christian faith satisfies the deepest yearnings of mind and heart, affirming salvation is found solely in Christ. Henceforth, the “knowledge” that inflates is assessed and imbued with meaning through the Lord’s words: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The Incarnation is a spiritual experience in believers’ lives who cherish the Savior Christ’s manifestation. As Saint Maximus the Confessor notes, “The Word of God, once born in flesh, is ceaselessly born in spirit in those who desire it.”
Thus, celebrating Christ’s Nativity, acknowledging God’s incarnation and human deification by grace, directs us not to the past but towards the eternal Kingdom of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In a world echoing with war cries and weapon clashes, the angelic “peace on earth” resonates. The Lord’s voice blesses peacemakers, and His Church prays during the Divine Liturgy “for peace from above” and “for worldwide peace.” Faith in the living God fortifies the pursuit of peace and justice, even amid seemingly insurmountable hurdles.
The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, whose first decade we celebrate next year, proclaimed that religious faith should heal wounds, not incite conflict.
The Gospel of peace holds significance for Christians. Indifference to Christian fragmentation is unacceptable, especially when allied with fundamentalism and rejection of inter-Christian dialogues aiming to overcome division and foster unity. The pursuit of Christian unity is an unwavering duty. The new generation must continue the ecumenical movement’s pioneers’ efforts and fulfill their ideals.
We belong to Christ, “our peace” and “the fullness of joy,” the “good will” derived from knowing “the truth has come” and “the shadow has passed,” affirming love’s triumph over hatred and life’s victory over death, with evil not having the final word in the world led by Christ (“The same yesterday, today, and forever”).
This faith should manifest as we celebrate Christ’s Nativity and other church holidays. Believers should embody faith’s transformative power, fostering goodwill and spiritual joy, experiencing the “great joy” synonymous with the Gospel.
Dear brothers and beloved children, in 2026, the Great Church of Christ will commemorate the 1400th anniversary of August 7, 626, marking the Akathist hymn’s singing during the vigil at the Holy Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae, expressing gratitude for the City’s deliverance.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s 2026 yearbook will honor this key event for our Tradition and identity, deeply linked to the veneration of our God’s Mother and Protector-Leader.
In this spirit, we honor the Mother holding the Child, offering worship to the Word of God, wishing you a blessed Holy Twelve Days and a fruitful New Year filled with the Lord’s gifts, to Whom all glory, honor, and worship are due, now and forever. Amen!
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