Christmas Message from His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh,
Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in Canada
to the Pastors, Deacons, Monastics and All the Faithful
Children of Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and the USA
Venerable Fathers, dear brothers and sisters!
His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh
I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you and joyfully congratulate you on the radiant and salvific feast of the Nativity of Christ!
On this holy night of Christmas, when “all the Angels in Heaven rejoice, humanity rejoices today, and all creation exults because of the birth of the Savior and Lord in Bethlehem” (Sticheron at the Litia on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ), we again, with reverence, a sense of spiritual exultation, and inexhaustible joy, remain in prayerful contemplation at the Bethlehem cave. For “there is no place for sorrow where life is born, destroying death and bringing the joy of the promise of unending life” (St. Leo the Great).
Illuminated by the gracious light of the Bethlehem star, becoming “partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), we lovingly and gratefully worship the Christ Child and, together with the Heavenly Church, sing the triumphant angelic hymn: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).
The Incarnation of God is not only an incomprehensible and inexpressible mystery, “the greatest upheaval in the world and in all worlds, the miracle of all miracles” (Venerable Justin (Popović) of Ćelije), but it is also the manifestation of God’s infinite love, offering redemption and forgiveness to all who accept Him. Christ, having assumed human nature, showed us how to be one with God and how to live by His commandments, despite temptations and trials. Through His Incarnation, He gave us the opportunity to partake in Divine life, freeing us from sin and death.
The love of Christ teaches us forgiveness, humility, and selflessness. May this sacred day fill the heart of each of us with gratitude and sincere love, expressed through our good deeds and actions. May the Nativity of Christ strengthen our faith, bring comfort in trials, and inspire care for our neighbors, compassion, and mutual understanding.
Beloved, as I prayerfully share with you the joy of the wondrous miracle of the Incarnation, I wish you good health, happiness, well-being, the abundant help of God in all your labors, and blessed success in the New Year!
May the Incarnate Son of God grant us peace and grace and fill our hearts with the unquenchable light of faith and love!
I invoke God’s blessing upon all of you.
With love in Christ Who is born,
+MATTHEW
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada
The Nativity of Christ
2024/2025