Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of New England,
Greetings in the Lord!
Over the past few weeks of the Fast, by engaging us with readings and fasting and works of charity, the Church has prepared us for the Great Feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. And now that we have arrived at Pascha itself, let us joyfully proclaim that Christ is risen.
And in the Liturgy today, let us, with uplifted minds, “enjoy the Master’s hospitality and the Table of Life Immortal in the upper room; and let us hear the exalted teaching of the Word, whom we magnify” [Canon of Holy Thursday, Ode 9, irmos].
As St John Chrysostom says, “Enter all of you into the joy of our Lord! … You that have fasted, and you that have disregarded the Fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden; feast royally, all of you! … Let us all partake of the feast of faith! … Let no one mourn his transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free! … Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the First-fruits of them that slept. To Him be glory and might unto ages of ages!”
May the joy of this day ever remain with all of us!
With love in Christ,
+Benedict
Bishop of Hartford and New England
