In his first pastoral letter, Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland urged the faithful to look beyond material joys and reminded them that the journey toward Christ’s Resurrection and salvation is not one of bodily indulgence.
“The Christian teaching is one full of joy—something far deeper than what we typically call optimism. And Holy Pascha proves this abundantly,” noted His Grace.
“These are days of Light, of the Word, of the triumph of Life over death and sin, grounded in our faith in eternal life. We see from the words of the Holy Apostle Paul that joy stands above the Cross and suffering, above its shame, humiliation, and even curse (Galatians 3:13).”
Above All, We Were Loved by God
What does this mean for us today? Bishop Nectarie explained that above all, it means we were profoundly loved by God through His sacrifice on our behalf.
Beyond Material Joy
“This spiritual joy encourages us to look beyond material happiness, which we do indeed taste and share in real and practical ways during these days of celebration. But we are also called to think more deeply and care more attentively for what is truly immortal in us—our soul.”
He continued by stressing the deeper meaning of Great Lent:
“This Lenten season confronts us with life’s ultimate reality: the road to the Lord’s Resurrection and to the Kingdom of God does not pass through the stomach. Rather, it involves nourishing ourselves with the Word of God, and above all, with the Holy Eucharist.”
The Feast of the Resurrection, he emphasized, “proposes as a way of life the hope in victory over sin and death. It assures us that we are truly immortal, that our calling is not the earth, but the Kingdom of God.”
“During these festive days, let us draw near to Christ with spiritual awareness and the sense of faith. Let us open the doors of our hearts and souls to receive His fatherly, sacrificial love, which gives life and brings joy.”
Bishop Nectarie is the first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, elected in October 2024 and enthroned in January 2025.
Photo: Basilica.ro
