To the faithful clergy, monastics, and laity of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago: Beloved fathers and brethren, beloved children in the Lord,
Today, we proclaim the end of death. Christ has trampled down death by death, breaking the power of the grave. He descends into the depths to lift us from corruption and despair. In His victory, the reign of death ends—not just for one, not just for some, but for all. What once separated us from God is now torn down. Where there was only loss, now there is life. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22). The Resurrection is not the conclusion of Christ’s story—it is the beginning of ours.
Today, we celebrate the cosmic renewal of all things. Christ’s Resurrection does not only touch one time or one people—it transfigures all of creation. He raises not just Adam and Eve, but every child of earth. Yesterday’s pain and sorrow no longer have the final word. He shatters the gates of Hades, fills the shadows with light, and causes creation itself to rejoice. Death dies, and the world begins to sing.
Today, we rejoice in the universal gift. Christ opens the way to paradise for every soul— not because we are worthy, but because God is merciful. The Resurrection is not a reward for the righteous—it is hope for the sinner. It is not the prize of the strong—it is healing for the wounded. It is offered not only to those who long for peace but even to those who cause others harm. Christ offers His mercy to those who love Him, but also to the ones who reject Him, to those who curse His name, and even to those who oppose His people.
Today, the Risen Lord reshapes our lives and calls the world to walk in His light. Let no one despair. Let no one believe they are forgotten. Christ is risen—not only for the few, not only for Orthodox Christians, but for the life of the entire world.
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! Truly He is Risen!
With abundance of faith, hope, and love in our risen Christ and Savior, † NATHANAEL
Metropolitan of Chicago
