The Diocese
Posted: 03/31/2024
The much-anticipated Resurrection and the fulfillment of Christ's promise mark the pinnacle of every Christian's journey, wherein we experience a profound spiritual renewal at the core of our being.
Indeed, the mystery of the Holy Resurrection stands as the central pillar of our existence and faith. Without resonating with the truth of Christ's Resurrection, our lives lose their creativity and fruitfulness.
As we celebrate Easter, we perceive life through the prism of Holy Scriptures, recognizing the Son of God as the path to truth and holiness, ultimately leading us to God. At the break of Easter dawn, we receive spiritually the promised light and an abundance of life.
To celebrate Easter means to be in Christ's presence, to believe in His salvific mission, and to journey with Him from the crucifixion at Golgotha to the empty tomb - a symbol of victorious resurrection.
The essence of the Holy Resurrection lies in spiritual rebirth, where the faithful encounter the risen Lord, partaking in the divine presence, hope, and promise emanating from Him. Thus, we are called to witness the mystery of resurrection by being crucified and resurrected with Him.
As we celebrate Easter, we delve into the depths of our souls to revive and nourish whatever lies dormant or lifeless in our personal lives, families, and communities.
Through prayer, we come to understand that “lives illuminated by the light of resurrection strive for perfection, grounded on the solid rock of faith, acknowledging both strengths and growing edges.”
Words fall short in explaining the mystery of resurrection. Faith becomes the key to understanding its undefinable and unfathomable meaning. Essentially, resurrection acts as a bridge connecting heaven and earth. Embracing this truth provides the strength and internal resources to excel and improve our lives, preserving the sanctity of family and embodying the spirit of peace.
Blessed are those who quench their spiritual hunger and thirst with the Holy Resurrection. It serves not only as a well of spiritual nourishment but also as a door to our internal world. A scientific mind is not required to grasp the most pivotal and life-changing event in human history—the resurrection of Christ. Humility and faith, coupled with a prayerful life in service to others, suffice, echoing the example set by our forefathers.
Therefore, dear faithful, our Easter message to you is to renew your spiritual life, deepen your faith and spirituality, and above all, to impart Christian teachings to your children, enriching their lives with blessed and prayerful words and deeds. The more spiritually enriched they are, the more protected they will be, enveloped in constant prayer and the truths of Scripture.
Immersed in the mystery of Resurrection, let us defeat the sinful person dwelling within us so that the new person may emerge. Our souls yearn for renewal, echoing the words of St. Nersess the Graceful, "Renewer of the old, make me new, adorn me afresh." Christ is the door to the new life, and His Resurrection leads to life in abundance.
Christ is Risen from the dead!
Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!
Prayerfully, Abp. Hovnan Derderian,
Primate Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
March 31, 2024 Burbank, CA