OCA Chancery
Syosset, New York
December 25, 2001
OCA Chancery
Syosset, New York
To the Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics and Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America
Dearly beloved in the Lord:
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Today the unfolding of God’s love is revealed in the birth of His only-begotten Son. Today heaven and earth are sanctified by the virginal birth. Today the dividing wall of hostility between all peoples is abolished by the One who emptied Himself “taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).
The joyful proclamation of the birth of the Savior resonates against the backdrop of war, terrorism, the death of innocent men, women, and children and a prevailing uncertainty that impacts virtually every facet of daily life. As we embrace each other in the brilliant light of the feast, we are acutely aware of the destructive darkness which not only surrounds us but also entices us to succumb to its power. Given this awareness, the celebration of the Nativity challenges us to respond in ways that will allow light of Christ to illumine and release all who are enveloped by the darkness of ignorance, desperation, hatred, and confusion.
We who have entered the mystery of Christ’s birth are responsible for revealing to the world the One who is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). Our proclamation of God’s descent to man so man might ascend to God must be used to comfort those recently burdened by the tragic and sudden loss of loved ones. Our faith in the Incarnation of Christ must be lived by ceaselessly offering love, forgiveness, and mercy to all.
He who is born of the Virgin has come to destroy all sin and death. With the eyes of faith we see this feast inseparably joined to the Lord’s saving death and resurrection by which all things are made new (Revelation 21:5). With pure love burning in our hearts we join the hosts of angels glorifying God in the highest who, through the birth of His Son as man, forges peace and good will among all people.
Be assured of my prayer that the Lord will bless you, your families, and your communities with the light of His presence during this holiday season and throughout the New Year.
With love in the newborn Christ,
+ THEODOSIUS
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada