Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia officiated the Paschal Agape Vespers, also known as the “Second Resurrection,” on Easter Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova, saying that “all creation is renewed” on this day.
In his sermon, the metropolitan explained why the Resurrection of the Lord is regarded as the “Feast of feasts.”
“The Resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ is boundless joy for all of us; it is the Feast of feasts and the Feast of Light. On this holy day, all creation is renewed in the light of this great feast.”
“The Resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ proves the victory of life over death, of light over darkness and of virtue over sin. This event is unique in our history, as Christ rises and lifts us from the shadow of death,” he said.
Christ’s sacrifice for salvation
The metropolitan underlined that the joy of the Resurrection was preceded by the sufferings endured by Christ for the salvation of all people.
“After His Holy Passion, in which the Saviour endured mockery from the Jews and Roman soldiers, He was crucified, this being the most painful of punishments. In the case of Christ, nails were driven into His hands and feet, and a crown of thorns was placed upon His head.”
“Both the nails and the thorns pierced deeply into His hands, feet and skull, causing immense pain that could have brought death from the very first moments.”
“But Christ endured all these things for us; He sacrificed Himself for our salvation. Only through this sacrifice can we enter the Kingdom of God and know the salvation and peace that the Heavenly Father has prepared for us,” Metropolitan Irineu said.
Photo: Oltenia Metropolis
