His Holiness Pope Tawadros II attended this morning the Patriarchal and Synodical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, with the participation of the members of the Holy Synod, at the Church of Saint George in the Phanar, the Patriarchal headquarters in Istanbul. The service was for the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, according to the rite of the Church of Constantinople.

Also attending the Liturgy were Egypt’s Ambassador to Turkey, Dr. Wael Badawi, and the accompanying delegation of His Holiness Pope Tawadros.

Following the conclusion of the Liturgy, remarks were exchanged between the two Primates.

His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, noting that on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, thanks are offered to the God of Life, who chose first to reveal the mystery of the Resurrection not to the apostles, but to His faithful disciples—the holy Myrrh-bearing Women, those steadfast servants who came bearing spices in devotion to the Lord. These blessed women became the first heralds of the empty tomb and the first recipients of the wondrous revelation that unites suffering with glory and the Cross with the Resurrection. Their example, he said, echoes through the ages as a call to move from fear to faith, from despair to hope, and from estrangement to brotherhood.

He added: “As the Psalmist proclaims: ‘Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1). This ancient hymn of harmony finds living resonance in our gathering today, as we stand together in brotherly love and shared joy in the Risen Christ.”

He continued: “It is therefore not by chance, but by divine providence, that we welcome Your Holiness and your honorable delegation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Your presence among us is a true grace, manifesting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who continues to guide our Churches toward the fullness of the apostolic faith and toward the restoration of that visible unity for which our Lord Himself prayed: ‘That they all may be one’ (John 17:21).”

He further stated that the relationship between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Oriental Orthodox Churches holds a unique and distinguished place within the broader ecumenical endeavor. Through decades of patient and sincere theological dialogue, they have increasingly realized that their confession of the mystery of the Incarnation is, in essence, one and the same. The divisions of past centuries, he noted, arose not from differences in faith in Christ, but from historical circumstances, linguistic distinctions, and cultural misunderstandings.

He emphasized that this realization must not remain merely an academic conclusion, but a theological truth that must find expression in the life of the Church. Agreements reached by theologians, he said, should not remain confined to texts and committees, but must be received, embodied, and lived within the Churches, both in their historic homelands and throughout the diaspora.

Addressing the significance of the visit, he said: “We are called to move from agreement to reception, from dialogue to life, and from theological rapprochement to sacramental and pastoral cooperation.”

Drawing inspiration from the Myrrh-bearing Women, he added that just as they did not remain at the tomb but were sent as apostles to the apostles, so too Christians today are sent from this sacred gathering with a mission: to become servants of reconciliation, to translate theological agreement into lived reality, and to prepare, by God’s grace, for the day when all may stand together around the one Eucharistic table.

He also called for prayer for peace, appealing for a just and lasting peace, an end to hostilities, the protection of civilian lives, and the safeguarding of creation from every form of indiscriminate destruction. He stressed that the integrity of creation and the dignity of the human person are sacred responsibilities before God and one another.

Speaking of the common celebration of Pascha, he described last year’s shared observance as a tangible milestone on the path toward reconciliation and a bright sign of what becomes possible when faith is joined with perseverance and courage.

He concluded by affirming that the goal is not partial or symbolic unity, but full communion in the Body and Blood of Christ, entrusting all efforts to the Risen Lord, who alone heals divisions and makes all things new.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II then addressed the congregation, opening with gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

Reflecting on the Gospel of the day, he said: “Today our minds recall the words of Saint Paul the Apostle: ‘But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place’ (2 Corinthians 2:14). This sweet fragrance is revealed to us in today’s Gospel through Saint Mary Magdalene.”

He continued: “The Holy Gospel says: ‘But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping’ (John 20:11). She remained there because she loved the Lord. Saint John Chrysostom points to this profound meaning: ‘The others departed, but she remained. Her love for Christ stayed steadfast, even in the darkest hour of sorrow.’ Then the Risen Lord spoke a single word: ‘Mary!’ (John 20:16), and everything changed. Christ called her by name, and she knew Him. This is the beauty of the glorious Resurrection: the Lord who conquered death is alive, near, and known to all who love Him.”

He added: “Then the Lord said to her: ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father’ (John 20:17). Saint Cyril the Great explains that the Lord was lifting Mary’s mind to a deeper knowledge—that He is the Risen Lord who opens for us the way to the Father.”

He concluded: “So she went forth and announced to the disciples with great joy that she had seen the Lord (John 20:18). This is the sweet fragrance of Christ: to know Him, to remain near Him, and to bear witness to Him.”

Concluding his message during the joyful days of the Holy Fifty Days, His Holiness prayed that the Risen Lord would fill His Church with this holy fragrance, grant strength and blessing, bestow peace upon His people everywhere, and grant all the joy to say with Saint Mary Magdalene: “I have seen the Lord.”

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