Nativity Message of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America
- “But when the fullness of the time had come,
God sent forth His Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
(Gal. 4:4-5)
Dear brothers and sisters,
According to His eternal foreknowledge God determined the time when He will send His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to save us and bless us with every heavenly blessing. And not only this, but to adopt us as sons through Him (Eph. 1:3-5).
Like many generations and generations of Christians over the past two thousand years, you will gather around the icon, the Christmas candle, badnjak, česnica, to celebrate this family holiday. It is our desire that it be done in the most spiritual joy in your homes, but first of all in God's church, in active participation of the services, communing during this fast with the Holy and Divine Mysteries. Only then will you truly celebrate Christmas and experience that unutterable spiritual satisfaction in your hearts, the peace, joy and love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge (Eph. 3:19).
On this occasion once again we thank all of you for your selfless help in our churches and monasteries, our brothers and sisters, both here and in the old country, and especially our Diocese. May Christ our Lord reward you with His heavenly gifts which never decay in the New 2013 year of our salvation.
Sending you our fatherly blessing, I heartily greet you:
PEACE FROM GOD – CHRIST IS BORN!
INDEED HE IS BORN!
Happy and blessed 2013 Year!
Your intercessor before the Christ-child,
BISHOP
OF EASTERN AMERICA
MITROPHAN
