Слово в день Пасхи

Do you remember, beloved, how we celebrated this day last year? They fucked then with joy; for, a bright holiday in honor of the Risen Lord could not but be joyful for a Christian: but this spiritual joy was greatly indignant then and darkened by the fear of universal mortal dangers; because the menacing cloud that came upon us on the very heel day continued to hang over us then, and no one could think that it, together with the fast, had already passed completely and would not return again. When remembering all this, how can one not thank the Lord, Who allowed such a grave temptation to come upon us last year, but at the same time gave us the strength to endure it graciously: “punishing”, He punished us like the Father for our sins, “but He did not give us over to death” (Ps. 118:18). Now it’s different! There is no longer the same storm and fear above us; Therefore, we could completely indulge in joy and joy at the triumph of our risen Savior. But even now, as you yourself know, there is a reason that reduces our joy and sometimes forces us to dissolve it with tears of contrition. For, then, as if we joyfully proclaim here: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,” - at this very time thousands of our brothers are laying down their souls in our country in fierce battles with enemies. We believe and hope that they, without sighing, but willingly sacrifice themselves for the good of the Fatherland: but is it possible for us, in the midst of our joy, to forget their martyrdom, their wounds and blood? Therefore, the joy of the resurrection of the Lord should now take on a different character for us. In accordance with our extraordinary and sad circumstances, it would no longer be appropriate for this joy to be accompanied by any sensual amusements and worldly distractions, as happened before. Instead, the power of Christian piety must prevail, visiting the churches of God must intensify, prayers must increase, open to zeal for helping the poor and for other holy deeds of Christian piety. Let us pray to the Risen One, that He may grant to those who strive for His name and for the good of the Fatherland, our brethren, the spirit of faith, patience and courage; may their exploits be blessed and crowned with victory over their enemies; may the last moments of those destined to fall victim to battle be enjoyed by His grace; may their voluntary and involuntary falls into sin be forgiven, and may their souls find peace in the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us also pray for our Western opponents, who are now celebrating their Easter on the same day with us, that, illuminated from above, they will see and know for whom they shamefully stand up, to whom they recklessly sacrifice their lives, and, having known all this, may they cease to be allies of the enemies of the Cross of Christ against us! Let us finally pray for these very enemies, that is, the unfortunate fans of the false prophet, so that they will understand and understand that if the temporary salvation of their power no longer depends on Mohammed and Al-Koran, but on the strength and art of the Christian peoples; then, all the more, the eternal salvation of their souls cannot be found by them anywhere else than under the canopy of the Cross of Christ. “We will forgive everyone and everything through the resurrection,” and we will embrace everyone with the desire for salvation and prayer, so that in this way the grace of the risen Lord, who laid down His soul for the salvation of the entire human race, will be glorified in us, and rose again for the good of all the fallen sons of Adam. Amen. You might be interested in: