April 9, 2009
PASCHAL MESSAGE FROM HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS
“Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
so that we too might walk in newness of life”
(Romans 6: 4)

I give praise and thanksgiving to our Almighty God, Who, in His infinite mercy, has granted us the opportunity to celebrate once again this Feast of Feasts, this Holy Day of Holy Days, Great and Holy Pascha! “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”, St. Paul tells us, as we celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of His Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This triumph is a triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil, of truth over lies and deception, of hope over despair. The good news, my beloved ones, even though we may think that we live in dark and uncertain times, is that as Christians, we have faith, based on Christ’s Resurrection – that is, a faith based on hope, on justice and on God’s ultimate power over the forces of darkness and evil. Christ’s victory over death is Reality - the very real destruction of the power that leads to death, and the bestowing of the gift of life eternal!

Our holy Christian Faith is more than a set of theological dogmas, or moral precepts. While useful and beneficial, creeds, moral teachings, church programs and buildings cannot save us or sanctify us. It is by the power of His saving death and holy Resurrection that the Sacraments, the teaching, and the good works of our Church become a life-giving spring. It is Christ Jesus alone who restores our fallen nature and lifts us up to become children of God.

As together we celebrate His Victory over sin and death, darkness and fear, I pray that we may love one another and receive His promise of salvation. May we rejoice in the abundant grace and blessings of our Living Lord, and with one mind and one heart, proclaim,

“Χριστός ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!” Christ Is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!”

May the blessings of the Lord be with you always and may the light of His joyous Resurrection continue to shine upon you! I prayerfully remain,

Paternally yours with love in our Risen Lord,


+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta