Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On New Sunday, we encounter the Risen Lord entering the closed room where the disciples were gathered in fear. The Apostle Thomas moves from doubt to faith, and Christ speaks the words the world longs to hear: “Peace be with you.” This peace is the gift of the Risen Christ, who overcomes fear, heals wounds, and restores hope.
As we celebrate New Sunday and the Feast of Divine Mercy, we proclaim that this peace flows from the pierced Heart of Christ. The Risen Lord shows His wounds, and from them comes mercy for a wounded world. It is this mercy that we implore today for Lebanon, the Middle East, and all nations suffering from violence and war.
In this holy Season of the Resurrection, we proclaim that life has conquered death, and that the peace of the Risen Christ is stronger than every darkness in our world. Yet even as we celebrate this victory, our hearts remain deeply aware of the growing violence and suffering in Lebanon, where so many of our brothers and sisters are living with fear, uncertainty, and loss.
While a ceasefire has been reached in parts of the Middle East, Lebanon has not been included, and the strikes have intensified, leaving behind widespread destruction and many dead and injured. In recent days alone, more than 160 bombs fell within minutes, claiming the lives of men, women and children, wounding hundreds, destroying homes and forcing many families to flee. In recent weeks, the toll has continued to rise, bringing deep grief to countless families.
Faced with such suffering, the Church is not silent. Like the Lord who wept at the tomb of Lazarus, we too weep for Lebanon and for all innocent victims of war. Yet our sorrow is not without hope, for Christ is risen, and His Resurrection is stronger than violence and death.
This weekend, all parishes of our Eparchy will offer the Divine Liturgies for the intention of peace in Lebanon, the Middle East, and throughout the world. In this Year of Prayer for Peace, we entrust Lebanon and all nations to the Lord.
It is not by weapons that Christ conquered death, but by the Cross and the power of the Resurrection. May the Risen Lord speak His peace into our world, strengthen those who suffer, and turn hearts from violence to reconciliation. And may Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for Lebanon, the Middle East, and all nations.
Christ is Risen. Indeed He is Risen.
+ 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲