ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

      

    C h r i s t m a s           2005     

The Reverend Clergy, Esteemed Members of the Parish Councils, Philoptochos Societies,

Faculty & Students of the Catechetical and Greek Afternoon Schools, Directors and Participants of all Youth Organizations, and all devout Orthodox Christians of the Greek Orthodox Communities of our Holy Metropolis of New Jersey

My Beloved in the Lord,                       “Christ is Born, Glorify Him!”

            It is with particular joy and much enthusiasm that I greet all of you on this great Feast of the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in which we celebrate the singular fact that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

            The prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah is fulfilled, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel…God with us,” (Matthew 1:23) with the entrance of the God-man into the realm of humanity. Indeed, a new dawn – a rebirth of the cosmos and a renewed relationship between the created and its Creator is ushered into history as “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” (Matthew 4:16)

            The divine human Birth of the Son of Man was received with inexpressible joy and profound wonder from all of creation, which did everything in its power to participate fully in this most mystical phenomenon. The Earth offered a cave, the angels sang hymns, the heavens brought forth a great star, the wilderness created a manger, the shepherds stood in awe, the Magi presented Him gifts, and humanity offered a Virgin.

            As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we are called upon to travel to Bethlehem and to hear the angel exclaim, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) In order to delve deeper into the knowledge and understanding of the mystery of His Incarnation, and to accept more profoundly Christ as our Lord, God and Savior, the triumphant and melodious words of the angel must be shared with all.

 Each of us must prepare the manger of our soul and heart to welcome the Sun of Righteousness, the Son of God,  as the Earth did, and to exalt and worship Him as the Angels and stars did. In so doing, our darkened and sinful life will be transfigured and transformed into a Christ-like life, illuminating light and reflecting the love, peace and joy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

            May the Joy of Christmas, the Hope of the New Year 2006 and the Grace and Blessings of our Incarnate Lord be with all of you and your beloved families.

                                                      With Love in the New-Born King and God,

                                                      † E V A N G E L O S

                                                       Metropolitan of New Jersey

To be read from the pulpit on Sunday December 18th, 2005

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