EASTERTIDE
RESURREXIT CHRISTUS ALLELUIA!
There is a sacred silence in the garden of Joseph of Arimathea,
only the olive leaves murmur softly in the night breeze.
A silver moon is glowing, and a multitude of stars are shining
in the sky particularly brightly tonight, as if all lights and candles were
lit in the palace in preparation for a king’s coronation.
There was no star in the sky that night that would not shine.
It appears as if the entire sky was announcing a spectacular event
of a miraculous resurrection of the Saviour.
Having completed the work of salvation, the body of Jesus rests
in a recess of stone tomb placed there on Friday.
The spirit of Jesus leaves the underworld and suddenly the tomb
is filled with an incredibly bright light.
The spirit of Jesus enters His dead body – the body of Christ
is waking up to a new life. His heart is starting to beat again,
His holy Blood is pulsating in the veins of the God and Man.
His resurrected and glorified body passes through the cloth.
Christ is risen! Death has been defeated! Jesus is the Winner!
The wounds in His hands, feet and side are resplendent –
they no longer hurt or bleed. They are left as a testimony
to Jesus’ unconditional love…
They speak touchingly about the endless love of the Son of God
for the fallen mankind. These holy wounds are a source of forgiveness
for every repentant sinner.
Bestowing a blessing on You and Your families,
+ Elijah
Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate