PASCHAL MESSAGE OF  HIS GRACE MATTHEW, Bishop of Sourozh,
interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada

Beloved in the Lord, all-honorable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

 With reverent joy in the Risen Saviour, I warmly greet you and
congratulate you on the the Feast of Feasts and Triumph of Triumphs —

THE BRIGHT RESURRECTION OF CHRIST!

Today the fullness of the Church — heavenly and earthly — rejoices and glorifies the Lord, Who has shattered the power of death and granted to the world eternal life.

In the Resurrection of Christ is revealed the mystery of Divine love, by which “God so loved the world that He gave His Only-Begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Having descended into the depths of Hades, the Lord Jesus Christ destroyed its bonds and led out those who had been awaiting deliverance, opening to humanity the path to incorruption and immortality. Therefore, the Holy Church proclaims with boldness: “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55) — for the sufferings of the Saviour on the Cross were the beginning of victory, and His Resurrection the triumph of life, light, and truth.

The Pascha of Christ is the foundation of our faith and the source of our saving hope: in the words of the Apostle, “if we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him” (2 Tim. 2:11). In this lies the calling of every Christian — to die to sin and to rise to new life, being renewed in the spirit of the mind and growing in love and godliness.

The light of Christ’s Resurrection ceaselessly illumines the Church and every believer, strengthening in faith, confirming in hope, and guiding toward works of mercy and righteousness. This light disperses the darkness of doubt and sorrow, granting peace and quiet spiritual joy to those who follow the Risen Lord with hope and trust.

In these holy and all-joyful days, I prayerfully wish for all of you that the light of Christ’s Resurrection may shine upon you — strengthening your souls and bodies, confirming you in faith and love, and inspiring you to every good work.

May the grace of the Risen Christ abide with you all, granting strength of spirit, peace, and unspeakable joy in the Lord — for “your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22).

INDEED CHRIST IS RISEN!

Bishop of Sourozh
temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal
parishes in the USA and Canada
The Pascha of Christ, 2026, London