Pastoral Letter for the Occasion of the Great Lent
February 16 – April 5, 2026
Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako
In this short pastoral letter, I want to offer our faithful some essential themes for the Lent, for reflection and meditation, for self-examination, and for spiritual and human renewal. Fasting is not merely a physical abstention from food; rather, it is a space to enter into dialogue with ourselves, to embrace concrete conversion, to seek forgiveness and purification of the soul, so that we may be, as much as possible, “blameless before the Lord our God” (Deuteronomy 18:13).Lent’ fastening is a Passover from sin to grace, in preparation to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ with enthusiasm, and joy. Otherwise, it remains an empty practice.
• Lent is a time to deepen faith, to strengthen the meaning of our existence, and to share life with God: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Faith is not a matter of slogans, nor is it confined to praying in church; it must be embodied beyond the church walls and expressed through concrete actions, open hearts, and engaged minds, so that we may offer a wonderful witness of our faith.
• Lent is a space for repentance-renrwal, which Isaac of Nineveh (7th century) describes as a second birth: “Repentance is a second birth from God; what we received in baptism was its pledge. Through repentance we receive His gift. Repentance is the open door of mercy for all who desire it, and through it they find divine mercy” (The Ascetical Homilies, p. 250). Lent is a time to examine ourselves before God, to cleanse what defiles us, to repair what has been damaged in our relationships, and to seek healing by asking forgiveness from God for our sins, from those whom we have offended, and by forgiving those who have offended us—putting into practice the prayer we repeat daily: “Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12). Asking for pardon is not weakness, but a strength possessed only by the courageous.
On this occasion, I call upon all those who publish unfounded criticisms about the clergy (servants of the Church)—whether out of ignorance (such as regarding the story of the Book of Jonah and the Chaldean identity), or out of resentment because their views are not adopted, or to get money from parties hostile to the Church, I call them to return to their conscience and cease their destructive writings spread through Social Medias. This is a moment of awareness for positive change and for attaining inner peace and overwhelming joy. Unfortunately, criticism has become a phenomenon (a trend) with no relation to conscious, constructive critique aimed at reform. Jesus says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
• Lent is a time for personal and communal prayer, in and with the Church, especially through participation in the Holy Mass. Prayer transforms us from within and enlightens us to act rightly. This transformation occurs when we attend to the words and embody them, so that events and realities become signs of a deeper life and a lofty mystical relationship. Prayer grants us strength to remain committed to our faith amid life’s many challenges and enables us to transform pain into hope: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
• Lent is a time to contemplate the steps of Christ’s life, listening attentively to His words in the Gospel, to discover their meaning and their connection to our lives. With wonder, we receive from Him what we lack and integrate it into ourselves, so that we may be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. These stages open before us new horizons for profound spiritual, human, and moral transformation. This imitation of Christ has led many Christians to give their lives for Him in martyrdom. Jesus says clearly to Nicodemus—and to us—“No one can enter unless he is born from above-God’’ (John 3:3–5). This is His teaching. “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).
• Lent is a space for serving the poor more effectively. We fast in order to save money for charity, to assist our needy brothers and sisters directly or through our parish Church—not to spend it on ourselves at Easter. Jesus says: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
• In light of the unprecedented regional and global circumstances, let us pray with confidence for peace and for an end to destructive conflicts and wars. Let us ask this of the Lord who promised us: “Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you” (John 16:23).
I pray the Lord to bless us all, so that this distinctive liturgical season may become an excellent beginning—a fresh start—and a radiant space for spiritual and human growth.
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