My beloved children in the Lord,
The Lord Jesus Christ “is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.” He, our King and Master, Savior and God, “came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near” (Eph. 2: 14, 17). As the time of his Nativity comes close, as he draws nigh “in the midst of the years” to “renew” the fruits of his Incarnation (Hab. 3:2), he calls all of us Orthodox Christians, and indeed all who dwell upon the earth, to the peace that is found in him, the Peace that he is: peace with God the Father, peace with our brethren, peace with our neighbors, peace with enemies, peace with ourselves, peace with all. ...