“Christ is born! Glorify Him!” With these words, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church extends its heartfelt Christmas greetings to the clergy, monks, nuns, faithful, youth, and children of the Church.
The message recalls the angelic proclamation of joy to the shepherds on the fields of Bethlehem: “Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This momentous event, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, forever altered the course of human history, bringing hope and salvation to all.
The Synod emphasizes the deep spiritual joy of the Nativity, a celebration prepared for through the 40-day fast. It encourages the faithful to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation, in which God took on human form for the salvation of humanity. This union of divine and human natures remains central to the Orthodox faith and a cornerstone of the Church’s teaching.
The message also calls on the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith amidst the challenges of the modern world, where traditional values are increasingly questioned, and secularization exerts its influence. The Synod particularly addresses the youth, urging them to nurture a mature and profound faith to withstand contemporary temptations.
Reflecting on the past year, the Synod gives thanks to God for His abundant grace and the milestones achieved by the Church, including the centennial of its autocephaly and significant anniversaries within its dioceses and institutions. Looking forward to 2025, the Synod highlights the global Christian commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in the history of the Church.
The message concludes with prayers for a blessed and peaceful New Year, invoking God’s wisdom and grace upon the Church, the nation, and the entire world.
