Easter is an opportunity to turn to God personally

Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky congratulates the faithful on the holiday

In times of change, great geopolitical shifts, instability and spiritual confusion, our society experiences fear and uncertainty about the future. Many people can no longer build their lives based on the country’s economy, the wisdom of politicians, human knowledge. That is why, today, more than ever, the message of a faithful and loving God becomes relevant.

Jesus Christ is God who lived a human life in a human body, which means that He can understand and share with us all sorrows and joys. He experienced pain, betrayal, violence and humiliation. He went through the cross. He was able to overcome all this only thanks to his great love for man.

In these Easter days, each of us should think about our personal relationship with God. As the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). Easter teaches us to build a personal, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In times of turmoil and uncertainty, each person can turn to Jesus Christ for help and support. His love, mercy and strength will help overcome difficulties and find inner peace. In addition, a personal relationship with Jesus will help you find your spiritual path and direction in life, giving you peace and confidence in the future.

Quoting one of the fathers of the church, I will say the following: “A person praying in solitude is like a rower on a small boat: it can quickly rush along the waves, it can barely crawl on the water surface, or it can stop altogether – all depending on his own efforts. Prayer in the temple is like a huge ship with a lot of rowers, working together with oars; if one gets tired, then he will have the opportunity to rest while others are working, and the ship will not slow down in its movement, the more it will not become. In other words, it’s harder alone than together. This is the strength of joint worship – the highest achievement of catholicity, church unity, communality. But it is in personal prayer that our faith and our relationship with God is manifested. In the life of every person there may come a moment when he will not be able to visit the temple, service, celebration. But he can always turn to God personally. Right where he is. In simple words from the heart. Let the Easter holiday become for each of us a time of turning to God, searching for new ways and personal spiritual transformation.

Easter is the time when we thank God for the undeserved mercy and salvation He gives us through Jesus. Christ took upon himself the sins and sufferings of mankind in order to save us and enable us to receive eternal life. He did not abandon us even when we were sinners. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to turn to God and receive the remission of sins. His resurrection has become a symbol of new life and the hope that He gives to everyone who believes in Him. Reading the book of Proverbs, we see the following: “Save those who are taken to death, and will you refuse those who are condemned to be killed” (Proverbs 24:14). This is exactly what Christ did for us over two thousand years ago. Because of our sins, we deserved to die, but He did not abandon us. He saved us with His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary and rose again for more than a third day!

Jesus Christ showed us an example of love and compassion that we can guide in our lives. He did not abandon us when we were sinners and in need of salvation. He showed compassion and help to all who turned to Him. So today we can learn from Jesus about mercy and concern for the people in our lives.

Easter is a special Christian holiday, symbolizing the new birth and hope for life after death. Easter is a time of communion with God, gratitude, love, mercy and forgiveness.

From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate all Russians on the great holiday of hope, the great holiday of life, the great holiday of Easter! Praise God that the death on the cross and the resurrection of one person once saved us all!

Christ is risen!

Truly risen!