PASCHAL GREETINGS FROM OUR PRESIDING METROPOLITAN

A Joyful Pronunciation of the Resurrection of Our Lord,
Pascha 2025, by the Most Reverend Archbishop and Presiding Metropolitan, ++ Rogelio of Manila and Luzon

THE EASTER MESSAGE

Dear Eminences, Excellencies, Rev. Fathers, Fr. Deacons, Minor Clergy and the Faithful of Our Beloved Church; 

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

My dear brothers and sisters, today is Easter Sunday! The great celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection; his Passover from death to glorified life! During this season, the readings of the Holy Scriptures in our Divine Liturgy and in our communal prayers are centered on the theme of the passage from death to life, from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from sorrow to joy. These are the important aspects of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ which are the essential foundation of our faith as Catholic Orthodox Christians. “But now, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. For as in Adam, all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:2-122). The resurrection of Christ is therefore a proof that we too will rise again. The sin, which brings death, has been completely vanquished, and humanity has been given a new form. For this reason, I, your humble servant in Christ, invite you all to have a new perspective on life and even on our purpose on earth. We are new creatures; so old things must have passed away (2Cor. 5:17).

This is a challenge that is perfectly suited to our time when humanity continues to groan in despair. If we look around us, we will see disturbing realities: The war between nations, the corruption in the governments of most countries that left their citizens in dire poverty, and death of countless innocent civilians, which is the result of the false pride and greed of the few who holds power and authority over them. These almost pulls the clock of the day of destruction and judgment closer than the day God has been appointed it.

In the face of these sad and frightening realities, we celebrate Easter with hope, that in every place there will also comes the transformation of creation brought up and continues to be brought about by the risen Christ. Therefore, let us put the story of Easter a new shape in our own lives, by responding to the most urgent needs of our brethren, so that we can bring new color and hope to a world shrouded in suffering. Let us feel the power of the Lord’s resurrection in our fight against the various faces of evil, as well as in the transformation of our own lives. May our lives, be a living testimony of our desire to deliver peace and hope to humanity, and a strong encouragement to those who are discouraged and loses their hope.

Let us be instruments of peace. When there is anger and violence, may we offer love. When there is oppression, may we embrace forgiveness. In the midst of chaos, seek to strengthen our relationships. When there is confusion, strengthen trust. When there is error, present the truth. When there is a failure, bring forth hope. When there is sadness, dance with joy. When there is darkness, shine light. Let us enter the school of the risen Lord, our teacher of holiness, so that we may learn to seek more to care than to be cared for, to understand than to be understood, to love than to be loved. Because if we think about it, in giving lies abundance, in forgiving we will be forgiven. And like Christ, in offering of our life, lies our rebirth in the comfort of eternal life. These are just a few parts of our lives where we can witness and prove the truth and power of the mystery of the Resurrection that we proclaim. I pray that the joy and hope that Easter brings, will dwell in all of us along with our loved ones.

May Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, + bless you, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen.

++Rogelio Cruz (Manila and Luzon)

Presiding Metropolitan