Dear fathers, brothers & sisters!
The time of spiritual celebration has drawn near — the Church invites us to enter the Holy Days that begin with the feast of the Nativity of Christ and end with the celebration of the Theophany of the Lord. The sacred events of Gospel history commemorated by the Church unite us in common joy at the coming of Christ the Savior into the world and in common hope of deliverance from sin and eternal death for mankind.
The past year has been for all of us a year of unexpected trials in life, among them anxiety about the health of our relatives, loved ones and acquaintances, restrictions on services, the inability to share the joy of common prayer, and much, much more.
I sincerely thank the clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Sourozh and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Canada and Mexico for their selfless fulfillment of the obediences entrusted to them, for their responsible observance of all the instructions of His Holiness the Patriarch, and for the civic responsibility they showed in complying with the decisions of the civil authorities. In this an example of Christian love for one’s neighbor was shown, and support was given in deed and word to those who needed special attention and care.
I pray together with you that the New Year may be marked by long-awaited deliverance from the deadly pestilence and filled with peace and prosperity. I believe that the All-Bountiful and Merciful Lord, Who has many times and in many ways shown His goodness to the human race, will now also visit all who believe in Him and renew our strength of soul and body.
I cordially congratulate all of you, dear fathers, brothers and sisters, on the Nativity of Christ, prayerfully wish you all good health and spiritual joy, and address to you the words of the Apostle Paul: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:11-12).
I invoke upon all of you God’s blessing.
With love in Christ who is Born,
+MATTHEW,
Bishop of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada