Russian Orthodox Church Protection of Mother of God
Russian Orthodox Church • Patriarchial Parishes in Canada

Beloved in the Lord, all-honorable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

           With great joy, I congratulate you on the Saving Feast of

THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

On these holy days, the entire Universal Apostolic Church rejoices and glorifies the Risen Savior, Who opened for mankind the way to eternal life and everlasting joy: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25).

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Cor. 5:7) These words of the holy Apostle Paul reveal the depth of the Divine economy of our salvation. The suffering, the Cross, and death of the Son of God are not an accidental, tragic event in history, but the eternal plan of Divine love, revealed for the sake of the salvation of the entire human race. This is a Victory accomplished not by the sword, but by the Cross; not by the power of this world, but by the all-powerful and voluntary Sacrifice of the Divine Lamb, Who “taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). It was in the sacrificial death of Christ that the light of the Resurrection shone – the light of the final Victory over sin and death.

The Resurrection of Christ is the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, truth over lies, and love over enmity. In Him the meaning of existence is affirmed, “for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22).

The holy myrrh-bearing women were the first to hear the Good News from the Angel: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” (Matt. 28:5-6). Since then, these words of Easter joy have not ceased to sound in the hearts of believers, inspiring them to a renewed life and filling their hearts with the light of faith, hope, and love. In them is our consolation, our strength, and joy, given to everyone who lives with the Risen Christ and in Him finds the fullness of being.

The light of Christ’s Resurrection illuminates the path of everyone who follows Him, not only transforming our nature, making us partakers of the Divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4), but also opening for us the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, where God Himself will be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28), and the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of the Heavenly Father (Matt. 13:43).

Sharing with you the bright joy of the Easter celebration, I prayerfully ask the Risen Lord that the ineffable light of the Resurrection of Christ illuminate you every day, strengthen you in faith, console you in sorrows, and inspire you to deeds of love and mercy.

May the Risen Christ always be among us, as He once was among His disciples, saying: “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19) and lead us to eternal rejoicing in the Kingdom of Heaven.

TRULY CHRIST IS RISEN!

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

Pascha of Christ, 2025 London