Message at the beginning of the Fast of the Nativity of the year 2026translated

for english press [here]

To the clergy, monks, nuns and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, beloved sons and daughters in the Lord,

Christ in our midst!

We have entered the time of year when the days are getting shorter and the darkness is getting longer. For several weeks, the sun has been setting earlier and with the darkness comes the cold. For some of us, these evenings are a welcome respite from the heat and bustle of the warmer months. For others, the darkness is oppressive and makes life difficult, already full of worries and hardships.

In our society, with the arrival of longer evenings, the rush for everything new and shiny also begins. We frantically search for something to add meaning and depth to our lives, and hope that new devices or ready-made experiences will fill the void we feel. During this period we often feel the lack of those we have lost, as well as the emptiness left in our homes and in our hearts. It is the time when families are expected to gather. Such meetings can bring us closer and bring us much joy. For many of us, however, family relationships are marked by ruptures and anxiety.…