Beloved in the Lord,
Most Reverend Archpastors, venerable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!
CHRIST IS RISEN!
In all the richness and diversity of human language, there are no words more joyful and more desired for the believing heart than this firm testimony of the accomplished victory of life over death and of good over evil.
“Christ is risen!” – in this good news is concentrated the hidden power of hope and the great assurance of faith by which people have lived since the time of their expulsion from Paradise. They lived in expectation of forgiveness, reconciliation, and deliverance – but the Lord has given incomparably more, for in His love He “has provided something better for us” (Heb. 11:40).
The Son of God came into the world and became man, sharing with us all the burdens of earthly existence and drinking to the dregs the cup of suffering – and the bitterest of them, the cup of death. “A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3), He took upon Himself our sins, freely ascending the Cross.
But could death hold the Creator of life? Could the insatiable abyss of hell swallow Him by whose Word all things came into being? “The glory of God has appeared in the universe and illumined the depths. Death is destroyed, the gates of hell are broken, and all creation that was once in darkness is filled with light,” – thus does Saint Ephrem the Syrian hymn the Saviour’s victory over death.
Has it ever been heard that death returns its prey? And even if it did, it would only be for a time, to take it back again. But Christ, having risen from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has dominion over Him (Rom. 6:9). Being the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Cor. 15:20), He goes before us on this path: “Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Cor. 15:23).
God, who by His Incarnation renewed human nature and healed it from the wounds of sin, leads us by the Resurrection to still greater pastures. He not only restores to humanity what was lost, granting forgiveness and reconciliation with Himself, but also adopts us as His children through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5), and to those who believe in His name gives the power to become children of God (John 1:12), even gods by grace.
Together with the springtime transformation of blossoming nature, the wondrous message of salvation once again spreads throughout the world: “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen; He is not here” (Mark 16:6). The tomb is empty! The Lord is risen, as He said (Matt. 28:6)!
The Pascha of Christ is an inexhaustible source of our great joy – a joy that flows from the love of God for the human race, surpassing all understanding, by which both visible and invisible blessings are revealed to us. The immeasurable power of this sacrificial love extends so far that it conquers hell, opens Paradise, grants forgiveness, and bestows true spiritual freedom.
“Love is strong as death” (Song of Songs 8:6), declared the wise King Solomon. But we, the disciples of Christ, bear firm witness that love is even stronger than death. It overcomes time and space, casts down sin and the power of darkness. The All-merciful Lord calls us into the Kingdom of love – and none may enter it without having love in his heart. Let us therefore forgive one another, cast off the chains of mutual grievances and sorrows, be reconciled and embrace one another. Let us show mercy to those in need and comfort the sorrowful.
Sanctified by Christ and entering into the wondrous celebration of Pascha, we transfigure the world around us with the incorruptible light of the Resurrection, bringing it into the joy of salvation for which the whole creation longs, striving to be set free into the freedom of the glory of the children of God (Rom. 8:21). Then our very life, lived in unity with the Lord, becomes a true Liturgy – a Liturgy of truly cosmic scale, in which every creature may offer thanksgiving and praise to the Creator, crying out: “Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy providence, O Thou who alone lovest mankind!”
In the world there are many spiritual paths, but there is only one – the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Only one Victor over sin and death. Only One who opens the heavens. His name is Jesus Christ, and there is salvation in no other (Acts 4:11).
Heartily congratulating you all on the feast of Pascha, I once again address to you the life-affirming and ever-encouraging testimony that:
TRULY THE LORD IS RISEN!
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’
Pascha of Christ
2026
