The Archbishop of Athens conveyed a message to the Clergy and the faithful of the Church of Greece for Easter 2024, proclaiming: “Brethren, Christ is Risen!”
He illuminated the significance of Christ’s Resurrection, depicting it as a revelation of humanity’s ultimate destiny and the redemption of creation.
However, he acknowledged the persistent presence of evil, violence, and death in human history, attributing their origins to Adam’s choice to prioritize self-love over love for God.
Please, read the Archbishop’s message below:
Brethren, Christ is Risen,
and behold, all is now illumined with eternal light—the heavens, the earth, and even the depths below!
The Resurrection of Christ has revealed to us the destiny of humanity and all creation in the final days. It is a cause for rejoicing, for through our communion with the Church’s sacred mysteries, we share in this divine revelation.
However, History is still bound by evil, violence, death,and absurdity. It is the consequences of Adam’s choice that, instead of turning his love to God, he fell in love with himself.
Evil did not exist before, nor does it emanate from the material realm. Evil entered the world because of sin (Rom. 8, 20-22). Since then mankind has been in the valley of death (Ps. 22:4).
The world is plagued by various manifestations of violence. In our time, we witness escalating tensions among spouses, parents and children, as well as within groups and factions. Moreover, tragic events unfolding in the Middle East underscore the strife among nations.
As long as our culture perpetuates alienation from God, evil will continue to proliferate and exert its influence. Each of us bears the responsibility to disrupt the vicious cycle of violence and retaliation, opting instead to emulate the example set by Christ.
Christ’s Resurrection transcended the confines of the grave because of His communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It was an outcome of His profound relationship and sense of community. Solutions to our problems do not lie in wielding power and authority but in embracing freedom and love.
Christ is Risen!
ARCHBISHOP
† Ieronymos II of Athens
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
