Romanians from the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand were the first in the diaspora to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, around 5:00 p.m. Romanian time. Over 20,000 Romanians currently reside in Australia.
The Paschal midnight service was celebrated by Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand at the “Life-Giving Spring” Monastery in Melbourne.
Bishop Mihail’s Easter Pastoral Letter
In his Paschal pastoral message, His Grace Bishop Mihail emphasized that “through the Resurrection of the Saviour, all of creation receives light and peace, joy and the primordial tranquility that the forefathers experienced when they lived in communion with the Creator.”
He noted that “our souls are filled with the peace of Christ, and our hearts overflow with hope when we hear the Church’s hymn: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”
“It is essential that we participate in the Mystery of the Eucharist, which is communion with the Body and Blood of the Risen Christ,” he wrote, “because in this we receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.”
Bishop Mihail reiterated the importance of Holy Communion, calling it “the pledge of eternal life, and eternal life is given to Christians by Jesus Christ, who suffered, was crucified, and rose from the dead.”
In closing, His Grace encouraged the Romanian faithful in Australia and New Zealand to share the joy of the Resurrection with their friends and neighbours and to be witnesses of the true Christian faith, so that they might receive the eternal crown from the Risen Lord.
Photo: Diocese of Australia and New Zealand
