March 5, 2026
Dear People of God,
As we watch news reports and live feeds, we are confronted with images of violence and the fragility of our human existence. When held alongside day-to-day life—concerns about immigration, the rising cost of living, deep divisions, and isolation present in our society— it is understandable that many of us feel grief-stricken, confused, overwhelmed, or powerless. Whether globally or locally, we are connected.
In January, while I was on pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the invitation of Archbishop Naoum of the Diocese of Jerusalem, a diocese that encompasses Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, the Persian Gulf states, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran, I experienced firsthand their courageous and faithful ministry. In his recent letter, Archbishop Naoum has asked us to pray for peace.
This Lenten season, we have committed ourselves to prayer, fasting, amending our lives through repentance, and returning to God’s ways. The conflict in the Middle East, Ecuador, and other parts of the world is devastating families, communities, and beloved people of God. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors, to pray for our enemies, and to work for justice and peace. Many of us began this holy season of Lent by praying the Great Litany:
That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States (or of this nation), and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth.
That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples.
And we responded, “We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.”
In Romans 12:2, St. Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Therefore, as followers of Jesus Christ, as the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, as God’s people, let us renew our commitment to the way of Jesus Christ. I call on each parish to include in your weekly worship prayers for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and for all those who are suffering in this time of war. Let us all pray, keep a holy Lent, and turn away from fear, hard-heartedness, and dehumanization. May the Holy Spirit give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts transformed by God’s eternal love.
Dear friends, our help truly is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May the mercy and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon You, and remain with you forever.
Blessings of peace for the journey,
The Right Reverend Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York
