“Christian civilization, Europe, and the entire world are founded on the values of the Gospel of Christ, centred on the Resurrection. We could say that the entire grandeur of the Christian world, everything we admire in the culture of our faith-infused world, is due to the Paschal culture,” His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Exarch, wrote in his pastoral letter for Holy Pascha.

“The entire history of the world is strongly marked by the Resurrection, not only because it is the foundation of Christian civilization, the most important reference point of our world, but also because it gives courage and creativity, depth and confidence to all who imprint their mark on the face of human society,” His Eminence noted.

“Believing in the Resurrection of the Lord represents an act of personal and communal devotion, as well as a commitment to existence, to the protection and celebration of life, an act of trust and heroism that testifies to the openness towards the permanent renewal, change, spiritualization, and transfiguration of human existence.”

God “comes to us with the victorious force of love and does not leave us alone in any of life’s trials, in illness and suffering, in alienation or even in death,” the metropolitan added.

“He comes to us through the Holy Sacraments and Blessing Services, through the call of our conscience, through all of creation, through the events of life, and through each of our aspirations and hopes. He comes and does not stop because He loves us with an unparalleled, unique, perfect, and infinite love.”

“The Resurrection of the Lord represents a parable for our lives, an irresistible call and encouragement: in whatever state we find ourselves, in any bondage or trial, the Lord is always beside us, always ready to help, offering us abundantly His support and love to walk together on the Paschal path!” added His Eminence Metropolitan Nifon.

Encouragement for Youth

“To the youth, especially, I say that Good always triumphs and evil is always defeated, the truth always surfaces while the lie sinks into oblivion, beauty always saves while ugliness is healed by the immeasurable power of faith in the Resurrection.”

“Even if sometimes sin invades our lives, wreaking havoc, even if it drags us into the most brutal slavery, we must always embrace freedom with confidence and start anew on the path of renewal and building a life filled with love, inspired by the logic of the Resurrection,” the Archbishop of Targoviste underlined.

“Being free in a world dominated by various forms of slavery is an act of courage, dignity, and greatness, a duty we owe to ourselves and the sacred gift of life. From this perspective, we must not idolize anything because sometimes even seemingly good ideas can become opportunities for downfall and bondage,” His Eminence warns.

The World Demands a Testimony from Us

“After two and a half decades of archpastoral service on the episcopal throne of Târgoviște, I wish to express my gratitude to my collaborators, clergy, and faithful who have supported me in fulfilling my episcopal duties, as well as to all those who, with determination and courage, demonstrate their attachment to Christian, Romanian, and European values, living and promoting them in daily life or the virtual space; for the support you provide to our Church by helping your neighbours through numerous social and philanthropic projects of our Diocese or donations,” wrote His Eminence Honorary Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Exarch.

The hierarch reminded us that “the world demands from us a strong, determined, and clear testimony, reflecting our faith, hope, and love.”

“With the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection in our hearts, we must walk the paths that God opens for us every time, testifying to the goodness the Lord does for us and bringing as many as possible to the beauty of communion with Him, knowing that the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).”

Photography courtesy of the Basilica.ro Files / Raluca Ene

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