Paschal Epistle of His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America

CHRIST IS RISEN!

What can we say of the joy that all Christian people feel on this radiant day? What words could we add, or what exhortations could bring more joy, than the simple words of the angel that shake the universe: "He is not here, for He has risen" (Mark 16:6)?

We are united today in brotherly love around the tomb of our Risen Saviour. We are standing with the myrrh-bearing women, we are racing to the empty tomb with the holy Apostles. We are rejoicing with Adam and Eve, with the prophets and patriarchs, and with all creation. We are rejoicing with our ancestors: our fathers and mothers who have gone to their rest in Christ, Who today raises up the dead and assures the world of eternal life. We rejoice, because every cause for sorrow has been conquered in the Glorious Resurrection!

What is death but separation and division? And what is resurrection but being united to our Victorious King? For this reason, Holy Pascha is also a feast of unity, and by
God's mercy we celebrate this year the fifth anniversary of the reunion of our beloved Church, Christ's Bride. May such a memorial kindle renewal in our hearts, that as One Body we may grow in the love of Christ in the year to come, and that through all our lives we may be drawn more closely into the pattern of Divine Life.

Beloved Fathers, reverend monastics, pious flock of Christ: let us lift up our hearts together today! May we rejoice now and always in the Resurrection of Christ, who makes joy out of sorrow and brings unconquerable light into a world filled with too much darkness. May our churches sing out in these days the songs of victory, offered from hearts that know no enemies, no foes, no hatred or judgment: only the love of a God who has overcome death and called the world itself to unending joy.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

† Archbishop KYRILL

Pascha 2011 A.D.

© Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia 2011.
Reproduction, in part or in whole, of any materials from this site
must indicate the source: www.wadiocese.com.