Reflection on the International Day of
Peace
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE,
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom
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| Source: www.UN.org |
21 September
2025
On this year’s International
Day of Peace, as recognised by the United Nations, there is an urgent need for
a global spirit of solidarity and hope amidst ongoing wars, conflicts and atrocities
in our world. Millions are suffering violations of their basic human rights and
freedoms, and countless others are living in tumultuous conditions, robbing
them of their loved ones and livelihoods. Many millions are also displaced,
both internally and externally, as a direct result of war and destruction. Division
is now rampant within countless nations, and this spirit of opposition and
injustice across and within communities will only lead to more suffering and
pain for all.
Due to the
current undeniable scale of suffering, destruction, displacement, famine and
scarcity of medical care, there is a particular focus this year on the ongoing wars
affecting Gaza and Ukraine, and the ongoing pain of separation and uncertainty
regarding the wellbeing of loved ones, as well as terrorist attacks, in Israel.
There is also
unspeakable pain for the people of Sudan, Yemen, sub-Saharan Africa and across
the Middle East, as well as many more in pockets of the world whose stories
remain untold and without a focus in our daily news feeds. Every individual who
is suffering is worthy of our attention, prayers and active efforts towards
promoting and finding just and sustainable peace for all.
Our Lord Jesus
Christ reminds us that “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew
12:25); as a global community, we are now more divided than we have been for
decades.
While we
consider the global situation, we cannot ignore the current tension and climate
of unrest that lies within communities at a national level in many parts of the
world. These must be first addressed so that we may stand with and for one
another as we become instruments of peace for the world at large.
Despite this
reality, what is also true is that we can indeed be, and make, a powerful and
impactful difference in our communities and in our world. Our ongoing prayers
and advocacy efforts can be for peace, justice and genuine reconciliation to
take place within our global communities. We can, individually and
collectively, be catalysts of, and advocates for, acts of reconciliation within
our own families, neighbourhoods, communities and wider circles of influence, as
we all, in our own way, extend a hand of peace to one another.
We pray God’s
peace upon His world, wisdom upon policy and decision makers, comfort, strength
and resilience upon those suffering as a result of a lack of peace, and
faithfulness and determination upon all those called to continue to speak,
advocate, and act for peace in every corner of the world.
