“Man never showed so much hate for God, as when he crucified Him; and
              God never showed more love for man, than when He arose.” – St. Justin Popovich

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Spring is a season which we associate with new life, beautiful weather, and renewal. May is a month synonymous with playing outdoors, baseball and barbecuing, school year endings, and overall enjoyment of life. As Orthodox Christians, during this whole month everything in church glows with the light of the Resurrection, and within our hearts there is light, warmth and life. How could it not be so, given all that He has done for us? As Saint Justin Popovich said:

“Man sentenced God to death; by His Resurrection, He sentenced man to immortality. In return for a beating, He gives an embrace; for abuse, a blessing; for death, immortality. Man never showed so much hate for God, as when he crucified Him; and God never showed more love for man, than when He arose. Man wanted to reduce God to a mortal, but God, by His Resurrection, made man immortal. The crucified God is Risen and has killed death. Death is no more. Immortality has surrounded man and all the world.”    

The Lord’s Resurrection is indeed an act for all people the world over, and yet it is also one which must be internalized and made personal. Bishop Kallistos Ware said that Christ rose from the dead, “enabling us to share in what He is.” It is the greatest gift which can ever be given, and in accepting it, we allow the Resurrection to raise us up to Him as well. Let us celebrate this amazing act of love by our worship and whole life this month! 

Χριστος Ανεστη!  Christ is Risen!

With love in the Risen Lord,

Father Niko Bekris
Parish Priest