SERBIAN ORTHODOX BISHOP OF EASTERN AMERICA
"And He said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:46-47)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Lord Jesus Christ directed these words to His Disciples and Apostles after His Resurrection. And truly, they immediately obeyed this command, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins in His name, beginning on Pentecost (Acts 2:38). When they were first sent to preach, they told the people that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand and to believe the Gospel (Mt. 10: 7-8). They had not received the authority to forgive men their sins. Why? Because the Lord Jesus Christ was still with them, and He did this personally (Mt. 9:2). When, after the Resurrection, having received the Holy Spirit, there were sent a second time, He gave them authority to do this in His name (Jn. 20:21-23). Only the Resurrected God-man can free us from sin, death and the devil. No one before Him had defeated these three greatest enemies of man. This is why the Apostles boldly declare: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
We always have these eternal words before our eyes, and especially during the great, holy and honorable fast we offer to God tears of repentance for the forgiveness of our sins.
We call upon all of those who have not confessed and communed to do so that they may more worthily and joyously celebrate His glorious and holy Resurrection.
Ever thankful to you for every good deed done in His name (Mk. 9:41), for our Diocese, parishes and monasteries, and each person who required material and spiritual aid, with all our heart we greet you:
CHRIST IS RISEN!
INDEED HE IS RISEN!
Your prayerful intercessor before the Lord,
+Mitrophan (signed)
BISHOP OF EASTERN AMERICA