Easter Message 2006

by Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
Madison, Wisconsin

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

This is the 8th Day - the day of ending and beginning - the elevated octave of humanity -
For Christ is Risen from the dead trampling death by death and on those in the tombs bestowing life!

On this Resurrection Day, we are reminded that upon this defeat of sin, death is destroyed - it has no more sway over those that follow Christ. The entire universe, all of creation, is transformed - for the penalty of sin is transfigured, transmuted and translated - Christ is risen because of God's great mercy and love for us, showing us that we need only repent and return to His love to engender His mercy.

Christ is risen from the dead and the gates of hell can no longer hold captives, the chains of the devil can no longer bind the penitent.

Christ is risen and there is no longer a darkness that has not been shattered by light - long and dark shadows are now easily dismissed, because Christ is risen and we know the source of light - we turn to it and shadows disappear.

Christ has saved all of us, not just through His excruciating death, but, most importantly, by rising from death and bringing the remedy to the curse of Adam. We are no longer expelled. Eden's delight and the promised land are within our reach. The gates of heaven are open to all of us - if we but walk through.

Some may need to stop admiring the door stop or the door handle on the outside and make the effort to walk through that door that was flung open in this miracle beyond all miracles, this fantastic event that is now available to everyone.

Some may not have heard this good news - Christ is risen and we no longer live under the assumption of death. We no longer live by the dictates of the lower nature. Christ is risen and instructs His apostles in establishing the One True Church so that we, alive on earth in 2004, may come to a knowledge of His Truth, His Love and His Mercy.

Some may reject it because they believe they know before they know - not having the benefit of the Holy Apostles and all our father and mothers before us preserving the One True Church for this auspicious time. The Church is too easily rejected in this day and age because it too has suffered under the delusion of death, but death is defeated, because Christ is risen from the dead!

The One Holy Apostolic Church, founded by the Apostles, protected by their prayers as well as the intercessions of Holy Theotokos, Mother of God, Mary, needs to show the world the light beyond all lights - the light that can never be extinguished - that spiritual light that illumines the faithful so that they may be lights unto those that are still in darkness. This is the light of Hope, the light of Love, the light of Light, the everlasting light of Life!

Christ is risen and has ensured that all of creation will no longer have to sit in darkness and fear, but live in the light of Truth!

Christ is risen so that each of us, as True Apostolic Christians may carry His love, His light, His Hope and His life in us and freely give to those that seek relief from the burdens of living a life unto death.

For Christ is risen and death is destroyed - death's yoke that drives so many to sin and isolation from God has been broken.

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