Venerable Fathers, dear brothers, and sisters!
I cordially greet you all and with great joy congratulate you on the bright and saving holiday of the Nativity of Christ!
On this holy Christmas night, when “all the Angels rejoice in heaven, and men rejoice today, and all creation plays for the sake of the Lord Savior born in Bethlehem” (Stichera at the litany on the eve of the Nativity of Christ), we again with reverence and a feeling of spiritual jubilation and inexhaustible joy remain in prayerful contemplation at the Bethlehem nativity scene, since “there is no place for sorrow when life is born, crushing death, when joy has appeared from the promise of endless life” (St. Leo of Rome).
Illuminated by the blessed light of the Star of Bethlehem, having become “partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), we worship the Infant Christ with love and gratitude and together with the Heavenly Church sing the solemn angelic song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14). The Incarnation of God is not only an incomprehensible and inexpressible mystery, “the greatest shock in the world and in all worlds, the miracle of all miracles” (St. Justin (Popovich), Cheliysky), but it is also a manifestation of the infinite love of God, offering redemption and forgiveness to all who accept Him. Christ, who took upon Himself human nature, showed us how one can be one with God and how one can live according to God's commandments, despite temptations and sorrows. Through His incarnation He gave us the opportunity to become partakers of the Divine life, freeing us from death and sin.
The love of Christ teaches us forgiveness, humility and sacrifice. May this holy day fill the heart of each of us with gratitude and sincere love, which will be shown in our good deeds and actions. May the Nativity of Christ strengthen our faith, give us comfort in trials and inspire care for our neighbors, compassion and mutual understanding.
My dears, prayerfully sharing with you the joy of the wondrous miracle of the Incarnation of God, I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity, God’s generous help in all your labors and blessed success in the New Year!
May the Incarnate Son of God send us peace and grace and fill our hearts with the unquenchable light of faith and love!
I invoke upon all of you God’s blessing.
With love in Christ who is Born,
+MATTHEW
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes
in the USA and Canada
Nativity of Christ
2024/2025 г.