In this edition of Voices from the East, we reflect on a powerful homage to Pope Francis from the Eastern Churches, commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and witness the faithful across ancient Christian traditions observe St. Thomas Sunday.

As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, the funeral held in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday became a poignant display of unity among East and West. Prominent Eastern Church leaders—Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako (Chaldean Patriarch), Mar Ignatius Ephrem II (Syriac Orthodox Patriarch), and Mar Ignatius Youssef III Younan (Syriac Catholic Patriarch)—gathered in solemn reverence. In a moving moment, Patriarch Youssef Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church chanted “Christ is Risen” in Arabic, Italian, and Greek, and performed the incense rite over the Pope’s casket.

April 24 marked a somber milestone—the 110th year since the Armenian Genocide of 1915, which claimed 1.5 million lives under Ottoman rule. Commemorations were held globally, with poignant scenes unfolding in Armenia, throughout the diaspora, and in the Middle East. In Qamishli, Syria, and the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, processions and prayers brought together communities of descendants, honoring their forebears with solemn resilience.

On April 27, Eastern Christians observed St. Thomas Sunday, or Antipascha, a feast celebrating the apostle Thomas’ encounter with the risen Christ. Taking place eight days after Easter, the occasion closes Bright Week and honors the moment when doubt turned into faith as Thomas touched Christ’s wounds—a testament to the enduring mystery of the Resurrection.