The event of the Resurrection of Christ illuminates all human life with life giving light, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania says in his paschal message.
As he points out, the Resurrection offers immeasurable hope; hope, based on the joyous news that the man’s relentless enemy, death, was thwarted by Christ.
Even in our most difficult times, the experience of the resurrection supports us, Anastasios notes. “The human mind cannot conceive the miracle. The heart, however, senses this truth and leaps for joy chanting ‘Christ is Risen’.”
The Christian hope does not come from unspecified optimism, is not related to a utopian illusion. It is based on the certainty that God Almighty, the Creator of everything, exists.
The hope of resurrection does not refer to a vague idea, but is connected with one Person, the God-man Jesus Christ, who voluntarily suffered horrible tortures, was crucified and defeated death, the Archbishop of Albania underlines.
“For death came to the world by one man, and thus the resurrection of the dead came from one man too.
May the God of hope fill the souls of all of us with immense joy and peace, coming from faith.
So that we have abundant hope with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Not just a little hope, but plenty of hope that overflows and we can offer it to others. And all this will happen not with our own abilities, but with the presence and grace of the Holy Spirit.
Let us wish to ourselves and to others that the Crucified and Risen Lord, the Head of our Church, will offer us this endless paschal hope. Christ is risen!”