Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania issued his message for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his message, the Archbishop explains the true meaning of Christmas, stressing that “Christmas, a leading Christian holiday, is not just an occasion for exchanging wishes and gifts, family warmth, entertainment, which offers spiritual euphoria in social life. It is above all an inexhaustible source of multidimensional hope – for the value of every human person, for the course of humanity, for the meaning of life” and goes on to say “By His incarnation the Son and Word of God took upon Himself the whole of human nature, in its spiritual and material substance, and regenerated it. This is an Event that is the center of Christian revelation; “God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). This revelation of God’s love “in the flesh” constitutes the uniqueness of the Christian faith.”
At another point, Archbishop Anastasios says “The patience of hope that is radiated at Christmas does not constitute weakness, on the contrary, it indicates a mystical strength. It transforms even the greatest sorrows and weaknesses of the present life by strengthening endurance, fighting spirit, quality resistance, support for truth and justice.”
Finally, referring to the harsh wars in Ukraine and Palestine, the Archbishop stresses that “Every era has its turmoil, wars, disasters, tragedies, poverty, heartbreak, despair. And ours is also shaken by prolonged unimaginably cruel wars in many corners of the earth, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. Contradictions and rifts even plague church contexts.
Every person has their multifaceted problems. In every community, every person experiences hours of melancholy and pain. For all, the indispensable guide remains the patience of hope. Let us intensify our supplication for a cessation of the deadly conflicts and the various social crises, so that peace may prevail on earth.”
Read below the message of the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania
CHRISTMAS 2023
Patience of hope†Anastasios
Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Heb 12:1)
Christ is born, glorify Him!
Christmas, a leading Christian holiday, is not just an occasion for exchanging wishes and gifts, for family warmth, for entertainment, or for entertainment that brings spiritual euphoria to social life. It is above all an inexhaustible source of multidimensional hope – for the value of every human person, for the course of humanity, for the meaning of life. The Nativity of Christ solemnly proclaims that “For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting” (Jn 3:16). We are not, therefore, alone in the adventure of this life.
By His incarnation, the Son and Word of God took upon Himself the whole of human nature, in its spiritual and material substance, and regenerated it. This is an Event that is the center of Christian revelation; “God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). This revelation of God’s love “in the flesh” constitutes the uniqueness of the Christian faith. Let us emphasize “again and again”: God, the Creator and Lord of the universe is not an impersonal energy, wisdom, or power. He is a personal God, who reveals Himself to man, who is in a constant relationship with Him. A relationship that is felt by the whole human being; “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16). This God has not abandoned the world, which is killed by selfishness, hatred, injustice, despair. The feast of Christmas invites us to reflect that the hope of His presence in our lives is the source of patience.
The various adversities and dead ends that occur in the earthly course of the Redeemer are always met with patience and hope. Already at His Birth, as depicted in Orthodox iconography, a serene patience full of radiance is reflected in the gaze of the Virgin Mother, Joseph, as well as the shepherds and the magi. Even in the gaze of the animals in the humble cave, who participated in the adventure of little Jesus’ foreign journey, a calm patience is revealed.
The patience of hope that is radiated at Christmas does not constitute weakness but rather indicates a mystical strength. It transforms even the greatest sorrows and weaknesses of the present life by strengthening endurance, fighting spirit, quality resistance, and support for truth and justice. From his personal experience, the Apostle Paul affirms: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-5). Through patience, the spiritual man makes better use of his mental and emotional powers. Patience united with calm perseverance opens passages in many impasses of human relationships, in health crises, in poverty, and in social turmoil. It leads human life to maturity “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4).
Hope sustains patience and patience strengthens hope, both drawing strength from faith. The Bible’s references to patience are multifaceted and insightful. They help us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Reflecting on the example of our Lord and the saints who followed him: “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2). With our eyes fixed on Him, we face soberly and vigorously all the trials that stand before us.
Every era has its turmoil, wars, disasters, tragedies, poverty, heartbreak, and despair. And ours is also shaken by prolonged unimaginably cruel wars in many corners of the earth, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. Contradictions and rifts even plague church contexts. Every person has their multifaceted problems. In every community, every person experiences hours of melancholy and pain. For all, the indispensable guide remains the patience of hope.
Let us intensify our plea for a cessation of the deadly conflicts and the various social crises, so that peace may prevail on earth. Let us strive “through the patience and prayer of the Scriptures” to strengthen our mutual understanding and harmonious cooperation, increasing hope within us. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13).
Christ is born, glorify Him! May the patience of hope, by the grace of the Triune God, fill our hearts with all-glorious joy and peace, especially during these Holy Days and throughout the coming New Year 2024.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
