News | Russian Orthodox Church Protection of Mother of God

May 11/24 _ Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril, first teachers of the Slavs and the Name’s Day of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

On May 24 the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the Equal-to-the-Apostles and teachers of the Slavs, who are considered the creators of the Slavonic alphabet and literary language.

Troparion — Tone 4

Divinely-wise Cyril and Methodius, / equals-to-the-apostles and teachers of the Slavs, / entreat the Master of all / to strengthen all nations in Orthodoxy and unity of mind, / to grant peace to the world and to save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 3

Let us honor the sacred pair, who translated divine scripture / pouring forth a fountain of divine knowledge from which we still draw today. / Now as you stand before the throne of the Most-high / we call you blessed, Cyril and Methodius, / as you fervently pray for our souls.

https://orthochristian.com/93604.html

EASTER GREETING FROM BISHOP MATTHEW OF SOUROZH, TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PATRIARCHAL PARISHS IN THE USA AND CANADA

Beloved in the Lord, all-honorable Fathers,
dear brothers and sisters!
CHRIST IS RISEN!

With reverent joy in the Risen Savior, I greet you and congratulate you on the Feast of Feasts and the Triumph of Triumphs –
THE BRIGHT RESURRECTION OF CHRIST!

Today, the entire Church, both heavenly and earthly, rejoices and glorifies the Lord, Who has crushed the power of death and granted the world eternal life.

The Resurrection of Christ reveals the mystery of Divine love, with which “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16), so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life.

Having descended into the depths of hell, the Lord Jesus Christ destroyed its bonds and brought forth those who awaited deliverance, opening the way to incorruptibility and immortality. Therefore, the Holy Church boldly proclaims: “O death, where is thy sting? O hell, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55), for the Savior’s Passion on the Cross became the beginning of victory, and His Resurrection the triumph of life, light, and truth.

Christ’s Passover is the foundation of our faith and the source of our saving hope: in the words of the Apostle, “If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him” (2 Tim. 2:11). This is the calling of every Christian—to die to sin and rise to new life, renewed in spirit and growing in love and piety.

The light of Christ’s Resurrection continually illuminates the Church and every believer, strengthening them in faith, confirming them in hope, and guiding them to deeds of mercy and truth. This light dispels the darkness of doubt and sorrow, bestowing peace and quiet spiritual joy upon those who faithfully follow the Risen Lord.

On these holy and joyful days, I prayerfully wish for all of you that the light of Christ’s Resurrection will illuminate you, strengthening your spiritual and physical strength, confirming you in faith and love, and inspiring you to every good deed.

May the grace of the Risen Christ abide with you all, granting fortitude, peace, and unspeakable joy in the Lord, for “your joy no one takes from you” (John 16:22).

TRULY, CHRIST IS RISEN!

+ Matthew
Bishop of Sourozh

Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada
Easter, 2026
London

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

Entry into Jerusalem. Decani, Serbia

“Jerusalem was all astir with the news about the exceedingly great miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus the four-days-dead by the Lord Jesus Christ.

They needed to greet with glory this Miracle Worker, the likes of whom the world had never seen before, Who had worked this unprecedented miracle. The people spread out their clothing upon the road before Jesus, waving palm branches, and proclaiming in their exaltation, Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!

Our Lord Jesus Christ was met not as a king of earthly glory, but as a spiritual King. They shouted to Him, “Hosanna!”, which means “save us”. They saw in Him a Savior and leader toward higher glory. It would seem that joy should have filled the Lord Jesus’s heart, but when He looked upon Jerusalem from the hillside He wept, and abundant tears streamed down His cheeks. He, the omniscient Son of God, knew that the unfaithful Jewish people would, in only five days, shout before Pontius Pilate, Crucify Him! …

May the great day of the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem remind us of His tears and sacred wrath, that we might never forget His bitter tears and words, directed not only to Jerusalem, but also to each one of us!

Let us place it as a goal of our life to follow Christ, for He Himself said, If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be (Jn. 12:26).

Let us follow Christ, through the straight gate and narrow way—and we shall find rest in the place where shines the eternal glory of the Holy Trinity.”

St. Luke, Archbishop of Crimea

April 18, 1954

https://orthochristian.com/69881.html