Patr. John X Issues Great Lent Message for 2026

Photo: mecc.org

DAMASCUS, SYRIA — In his 2026 Great Lent message, John X of Antioch called upon the faithful of the Patriarchate of Antioch to enter the holy Forty Days with humility, repentance, and mercy.

Addressing clergy and laity of the Apostolic See, the Patriarch reflected on the preparatory Sundays before Lent, highlighting the humility of the Publican, the repentance of the Prodigal Son, and Christ’s call to mercy in the Gospel of the Last Judgment. He urged believers to cast off pride, imitate sincere repentance, and care for those in need, recalling the Lord’s words: “I was hungry and you gave Me food . . . I was a stranger and you took Me in.”

Patr. John emphasized that God desires mercy expressed in deeds, not merely words. He invited the faithful to become a “bridal chamber” for Christ, adorned with humility and compassion, and prayed for peace in troubled homes and nations. 

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. John X urged Christians to stand firm in the Middle East.

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