My Beloved the Benevolent                              May 2024    

Xhristos Anesti            Alisos Anesti

      Christ is Risen,        Truly He is Risen

I am delighted to congratulate you all on the Feast of the Resurrection that we celebrate this year on Sunday, May 5th. Our celebration of the Feast of Resurrection comes amid an atmosphere of many challenges: the Russian-Ukrainian war, the war in Gaza, the civil war in Sudan, and the news of heinous crimes such as the assassination of the three monks in our monastery in South Africa. Also, the continuation of the economic crisis and high prices that are making it so that many families are finding it difficult to provide for the basic needs of their children. Also, the gravitation of American society away from God, as well as the dissipation and the dangers facing our children in schools, and so on.

+ The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ gives us hope for a better life and a bright future. We recall the words of the Holy Spirit through St. Peter the apostle, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Pt. 1: 3 Despair leads to death and hope gives life.

+ The resurrection of Christ gave hope to the disciples after they were struck by fear and despair. The events of the crucifixion brought fear into the hearts of the disciples as the Bible mentions, “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews” Jn. 20:19 However, the fear of the disciples did not last long, “Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” Jn. 20:19–20. The resurrection of Christ converted the fear of the disciples into joy, and joy is associated with hope “Rejoice in hope…” Romans 12:12

+ The resurrection of Christ transformed the feelings of despair felt by the two disciples of Emmaus, “So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Luke 24:15-17 The two disciples of Emmaus summed up their emotions in this desperate phrase, “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.” Luke 24:21 But when they recognized Him at the breaking of the bread and realized His Holy Resurrection, their mood changed to excitement, “So they rose up that every hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying ‘The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’” Luke 24:33-34

+ The resurrection of Christ replaced the grief of Mary Magdalene, who was weeping believing that the body of the Lord Jesus had been stolen; therefore, when the Lord said to her, “Mary”, she recognized Him and realized His resurrection,” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken these things to her.” John 20:18

+ The resurrection of Christ gives us the hope that, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18: 27 “For with God nothing while be impossible.” Luke 1: 37.

+The resurrection of Christ gives us hope, and confirms that the dead will rise, and confirms our faith in the general resurrection, as St. Paul mentions, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen” 1 Corinthians 15:16 and then affirms, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 St. Paul comforts the Thessalonians saying, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

+ The resurrection of Christ gives us hope and strength to work, serve others, care for those in need, and help them.

We pray that God will shine the light of His resurrection in all of our hearts, so that we may grow in His knowledge and rejoice in His resurrection, and in the hearts of the needy everywhere; and may the Lord bless your offerings to support Santa Verena’s charitable programs.

Metropolitan Serapion