ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

Christmas 2004

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

Beloved in the Lord,

             It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I greet all of you, as the Body of Christ in the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, on the great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

             Today we celebrate the single most important cosmic event in the history of all creation, the Incarnation, by way of immaculate conception from a Virgin, of the Son of God. 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) thus heralding in a new beginning – a rebirth – of the relationship between the created and its Creator. We are reminded of St. Athanasios’ words, “that God became man so that man might become God.”

             The Nativity of the Sun of Righteousness was received with inexpressible joy from all of creation that did everything in its power to participate 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. Indeed, both animate and inanimate nature reacted with unfathomable respect when the angel exclaimed, “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)

             We once again hear the lofty words of St. Athanasios: “The loving Savior of all, the Word of God, took on a body and walked among people like a human being…the people were drawn to Christ…and learned the truth from all angels.” (On the Incarnation of the Word 15) For God is with us always and in every situation: in trouble, to see us through; in sorrow, to brush away the tears; when we fall, to raise us up; in weakness, to make us strong; and in death, to make us confident. God, in his incomprehensible and infinite love, has made His presence known to us throughout our entire lives, for “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

             May the Joy of Christmas, the Hope of the New Year 2005 and the Blessings of our Incarnate Lord be with all of you.

              With Love in the New-Born King and God,

               †EVANGELOS

               METROPOLITAN OF NEW JERSEY

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