Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon Pascha 2021

Today the Myrrhbearing Women arrive at the tomb and, seeing the angel, hear from him the joyous message that the Lord has risen. When they leave the tomb, running to tell the Apostles the news, Christ Himself suddenly appears to them and greets them with a single word: “Rejoice!”(Mt 28:9). 

On this bright day, as we celebrate this glorious feast of feasts, this supreme festival of festivals, the Resurrection of Christ, I in turn extend our Lord’s greeting and say to you all: “Rejoice!”

Our Lord Jesus Christ has revealed Himself to us through His Death and Resurrection. He has won the victory for us over seemingly meaningless death by His all-meaningful Death, and we in turn celebrate with exceeding joy. Death no longer stings and hell has no victory, for its gates are smashed and its prisoners are freed. The Resurrection of Christ has brought eternal life to all.

Through the Resurrection, we rejoice—in spite of our sins, hardheartedness, and lack of forgiveness. For we know that God promised through Jeremiah: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer 31:34).

Through the Resurrection, we rejoice—in spite of our doubts, worries, and anxieties. For as was guaranteed to us through Zephaniah: “No one shall make them afraid… The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall see disaster no more!” (Zeph 3:13, 15).

Through the Resurrection, we rejoice—in spite of the difficulties, trials, and struggles that we have faced, and always will face, in the brief span of our earthly lives. For Christ Himself has promised: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen!” (Mt 28:20).

My brothers and sisters in the Lord: “Rejoice!” Our sins are forgiven, our anxieties cease, and our temporary sufferings are given meaning through the Resurrection of the One who grants us eternal life. And while this eternal life is only fully manifest in the age to come, it is ours to experience joyfully even now. 

May we celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection in joy and love. From this day forward, may we never cease exulting in the Lord. 

Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!

+ TIKHON
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada