Easter Greeting of the General Superior of the Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat

Christ is Risen!

On this great and festive day, we sing the troparion: “Christ is risen from the dead, conquering death by death,” and through this hymn we proclaim that the Feast of Christ’s Resurrection is a Feast of Victory – a long-awaited victory to which all creation aspires, a victory over death.

The reality of decay and the end of earthly life fills every living being, especially the human person, with deep fear. Today in particular, as we witness the horrors of unjust wars in which hundreds and thousands perish, we feel even more sharply the value of life and the longing for victory over evil, so that it may no longer take the lives of the innocent.

Each person understands victory and the path to a just peace differently, yet in one thing we are united: every one of us longs for anxiety and sorrow to disappear from our hearts, and for joy and a sense of security to reign, so that we may live and grow as our Creator has called us, His creatures, to do.

Human sin is the cause of death and corruption, and every attempt by humanity to place itself in the position of God brings with it suffering and death. Yet today, God Himself, through His Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, comes to grant us victory over death – a victory we cannot achieve by our own human efforts. Christ dies for us so that, through His Resurrection and His triumph over death, He may grant eternal life to every person who desires it.

Today, through His Resurrection from the dead, the Lord speaks to us, giving us hope in times of trial and confidence through faith that one day we too will rise to eternal life in the house of our Heavenly Father.

Our faith in Christ’s Resurrection and in our own future resurrection to eternal life is especially important in this time of trial, when we witness so many deaths brought about by wars in different parts of the world, and especially in Ukraine.

Therefore, today more than ever, humanity needs the joyful witness of our faith that Christ is risen; for if Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain (cf. 1 Cor. 15:14). May the joy of Christ’s victory over death gladden the hearts of those grieving the loss of loved ones; may our faith in God’s constant presence in our lives be a strong support for us in these difficult times; and may our resounding “Christ is Risen!” inspire us to struggle against evil and to seek victory in the Lord, so that with open and loving hearts we may welcome all, bring relief to those who suffer, and carry the light of faith to those who still wander in darkness and remain captive to evil and hatred that sow death.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

Fr. Robert Lisseiko, OSBM

General Superior