Beloved in the Lord, Reverend Fathers, Dear brothers and sisters!

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the great feast of the Bright Resurrection of Christ and greet you with this joyful Paschal proclamation:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

The long-awaited holy days of universal celebration of the Church of God have come, and the triumphant hymn resounds anew with the words of the Easter Troparion: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" There is no more death that can separate us from God, for the great Divine Love offers His Only Begotten Son for the sins of the whole world, so that everyone who believes in God should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The incomprehensible life-giving Divine mystery reveals its saving power to the whole human race through the sufferings, crucifixion, and Resurrection. "For our sake, the Lord became man," writes Saint Gregory the Theologian, "and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and for our sins was led to death. Thus did the Savior act, who as God could save with a single wish, for by one command He made all things." Offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, the sinless Lord opened the way to everlasting life for humanity.

The Resurrection of Christ illuminated the whole world with radiant and saving light and became a source of everlasting joy and inner peace. Today, filled with the Divine light of Christ's Resurrection, we strive to sanctify all our thoughts, deeds, feelings, and our entire life. The bright Paschal joy shines in our hearts, filling them with joy and hope, strengthening faith in the triumph of life, goodness, peace, and love.

Sharing together in the Easter celebration, I prayerfully wish you, venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters, spiritual and physical health, vigor of spirit, prosperity, and peaceful life! May the good and joyful news of the Resurrection always sanctify our life's journey, and the light of Christ's Glory, risen from the Life-giving tomb, fill our hearts with the rays of the all-victorious Divine love!

TRULY CHRIST IS RISEN!

+Matthew
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes
in the USA and Canada

Pascha of Christ, 2024
London