Paschal Epistle of Metropolitan Herman of Kursk and Rila

Published 17.04.2023 · Updated 17.04.2023

Paschal Epistle of His Eminence Herman, Metropolitan of Kursk and Rylsk, Pastors, to the monastics and God-loving flock of the Kursk Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Beloved Fathers in the Risen Christ, Brothers and sisters!

On this named and holy day, Feasts Feast and Celebration of Celebrations, I appeal to you in words, filled with undiminished meaning and eternal joy: CHRIST IS RISEN!

The Holy Church, preaching to the world the victory of light over darkness, Life over death, glorifies Christ, risen from the dead and calls on every person to join in this solemn rejoicing. In the liturgical hymns of this luminous day it is said that, that the Risen Christ gave eternal and blessed life to mankind, in which there is no place for sin and death. "Death celebrates mortification, Hellish destruction, another life of the eternal beginning, and playfully sing the guilty, the only blessed of the fathers of God and the most glorified." (Troparion of the 7th Canto of the Paschal Canon).

The Sacred Events of Christ's Salvific Sufferings, which we remembered during Holy Week, find a deep response in the heart of every Christian. The Sacrament of Redemptive Feat, done once by Christ the Savior, was engraved in the history of the world as the greatest testimony of God's inexhaustible love for man. "There is no more love, as if a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith, That's it, without which human life turns out to be vanity and nonsense. This is what the Holy Apostle Paul says: "If Christ is not risen,, then our preaching is in vain, Your faith is also vain." (1 Kor. 15:14). From the earliest times, the Paschal gospel called Christians to a life pleasing to God, contributed to peace, unity and the public good. The power of faith in the risen Christ continues to this day: It gives the right guidelines for life, Strengthens families, creates the best spiritual qualities. When faith in Christ overshadows the path of human life, He will certainly become successful and happy.

For modern man, living in an atmosphere of hostility, Lies, cunning and other vices, it is very important to strive to gain personal participation in the Resurrection of Christ;. According to the teachings of St. Abba Isaiah, "Christ's Resurrection became life and healing from passions for those who believe in Him, that they may live in God and bear the fruit of righteousness.". This means, that no matter how difficult the circumstances of our lives may be,, all of them are surmountable because of Christ's victory over death and the devil.

Current developments, unfolding as on the world stage, and near our borders, are of deep concern and concern. We do not cease to pray for the peace and health of people, located in the war zone. In this truly difficult time, it is extremely important for all of us to take an active part in the works of mercy and charity, support the afflicted, homeless refugees, especially those, Who lost their loved ones as a result of these tragic events. Let's hope, that the All-Merciful Lord will direct these events for good and for peace.

From the bottom of my heart I congratulate all of you, Dear Fathers,, Brothers and sisters, with the bright Resurrection of Christ! May the joy of Easter fill your life with true meaning and good Christian hope. May the Risen Lord and Savior give you health, Peace and prosperity.

CHRIST IS RISEN!
TRULY HE IS RISEN!