Easter greetings of Archbishop Elpidophoros

Holy Pascha 2020

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Belya
Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate

Dear father Alexander,

Having received your gracious Paschal wishes, it is with sentiments of heartfelt gladness that I warmly embrace you in the ineffable joy and splendor of our Lord and Savior’s most glorious, victorious and life-giving Resurrection, while merrily proclaiming: Χριστός Ανέστη!

During this time of pandemic, when people’s hearts are saddened and submerged in darkness and fear, Christians throughout the oikoumene turn their gaze toward the eternal light of warmth and consolation — the ever-sanctifying light that shone forth from the empty Tomb — as this malicious evil deviously preys upon us in a useless attempt to erase our hope for salvation and redemption. And in being confronted with this challenge, we hasten to join together in order to cry aloud with one voice and one heart: Christ is Risen!

Indeed, Christ is Risen, and Hades is overthrown. Christ is Risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is Risen, and life reigns. Christ is Risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. This is the salvific message that spread across the globe two millennia ago and captivated the entirety of creation. Let this blessed proclamation, which signifies the abolishment of death’s bonds over life, once again be an end that brings about a new beginning by eradicating this pestilent virus and restoring our collective health unto the ends of the earth. May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed celebration of this great feast of feasts.

Conveying to you and your family my archpastoral blessings, together with my wholehearted festal greetings and warmest wishes, I beseech the Lord of Resurrection to grant you health and peace, strength and prosperity, and remain

With paternal love in the Risen Lord,

ELPIDOPHOROS
Archbishop of America