Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland sent a Christmas message in which he spoke of the Nativity of the Saviour Jesus Christ.
Despite the difficult times people go through and despite the closing of churches, the Metropolitan said that the clergy never stopped taking care of the faithful in general.
“However, human weakness can not stand in the way of our path which leads to the God of mercy and compassion,” he said. “With his nativity in Bethlehem, even though God the Son existed before, He brought peace to all the peoples of the earth,” he added.
Finally, the Metropolitan wished a Mery Christmas to everyone.
Read the full Christmas message of the Metropolitan of Switzerland:
My dear children,
During this period of the pandemic, I considered it particularly important to address this message to you on the occasion of the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
However, the virus is still here along with its painful effects. But we must not lose hope because the light of the star leads us to Bethlehem and allows us to discover Baby Jesus in the manger, the Word of God. The coming of Christ is the coming of salvation and redemption.
This message allows me to reflect on the events we have been experiencing since March 2020. We were forced by state authorities to close our Churches because of the coronavirus throughout the year. I appreciated the devotion of our holy clergy who did not stop taking care of the faithful, the healthy and the sick, of the parishes of our Metropolis. They continued to strengthen their faith to face the trials of the moment. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Undoubtedly, we are not yet free from suffering and, therefore, we feel powerless. However, human weakness can not stand in the way of our path which leads to the God of mercy and compassion. Let us, then, let go of our fears and let us place our hope in the love of God, Who was born in a manger, sacrificed Himself on the Cross, and rose from the dead on the third day.
‘Christ is born; glorify the Lord!’ ‘Christ came from heaven;’ you replied. ‘Christ is on earth; Exalt the Lord!’ ‘Give to the Lord the whole world and glorify Him in rejoice.’
This ode of the Orthros of Christmas reminds us of the power of the Nativity, which we celebrate on that very day. It is the coming of the One Who is not limited by space or time.
With his nativity in Bethlehem, even though God the Son existed before, He brought peace to all the peoples of the earth. Peace prevailed in the world as soon as Christ was born. So let us seek peace. Let us bring hope and joy which was also brought by the Word of God to all people.
Dear all, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
May God bless you and protect you!
Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland