The Nativity Epistle of the First Hierarch of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
“Christ
is on earth, be ye exalted!”
Since ancient times, the feast of the Nativity of Christ
has been called the Feast of Lights, for on this day, as
the Holy Church sings: "Thy coming, O Christ God, hath
shone forth unto us; O Light of Light, Effulgence of the
Father (stichira for “Lord I have cried,” tone
2). By His coming into the world, the Lord "hast illumined
all creation."
The Son of God, having appeared on earth and having united
Divinity and mankind within Himself, not only changed world
history, but also the destiny of each of us. In regards
to historical significance, what can even be compared to
the Incarnation of the long-awaited Redeemer from the Most-pure
Virgin, whereby the human race has been freed from the power
of the devil, sin and death?
The Lord descended to earth in order to raise us up to heaven,
so that we might inseparably abide with Him in the light
of everlasting glory. The Son of God came in order to make
us sons of His Father as He asked in the prayer: "That
they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou
in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the
world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them,
as Thou hast loved Me” (John 17:22-23). The Lord sent
His Son to earth in order to show the world the love of
the Creator for His creation, and so that this redemptive
love would become our own. “And I have declared unto
them Thy name and will declare it; that the love wherewith
Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John
17:26).
On this day in a poor cave, our Lord Jesus Christ was born
in the world from the Most-Pure Virgin, the God-chosen Maiden,
and the world was transformed. To us who were sitting in
darkness and the shadow of death, came the Light, enlightening
and sanctifying; the Source of immortality appeared; He
who presented to us the gift of His own Self, desiring that
we become flesh of His flesh, and blood of His blood--a
gift great and incomprehesible to the mind. To our misfortune,
not many of us are able to receive this Divine gift, just
as our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said in His prayer to God
the Father: "'O righteous Father, the world hath not
known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known
that Thou hast sent Me” (John 17:25). The acceptance
of Divine love can only happen by the rejection of love
for this world, which lies in evil. “In the world ye
shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome
the world” (John 16:33). And this victory is made up
of our faith.
Christ, the God-Child, was born on this day, brought peace
to earth, a peace which this vain world cannot give us,
a peace which He instils in our hearts by means of His Divine
Grace. Let us not drive away this grace-filled peace by
our sins, but let us become worthy to receive it.
Beloved Archpastors, pastors, monastics, and children of
the Russian Church Outside of Russia, I wholeheartedly greet
all of you with the joyous feast of the Nativity of Christ!Metropolitan
Laurus
Nativity of Christ, 2002 [old style]
Winter
in The Holy Trinity Monastery
