Archpastoral Letter for the Nativity 2020/2021
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Protocol. No. 45/2020
December 25, 2020 / January 7, 2021
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christmas is a time of great joy, hope and love. Two thousand years ago, quietly, almost secretly, without a great deal of fanfare, Jesus Christ, the "King of Kings" was born in a cave in the town of Bethlehem. No earthly creature in their wildest imaginings could have foreseen the impact of this humble event: a God-Man, born of a woman, who would change the course of history forever. This God- Man spoke and touched the hearts and minds of everyone who had ears to hear Him. This God- Man's words and actions have comforted, given hope and transformed the lives of millions throughout time. This is the God-Man that we worship. This is the God-Man that we praise.
The miraculous mystery of our Lord's birth should remain first and foremost in all our hearts and minds during this brilliant season. We should never forget that Christmas is about Christ and His birth.
Cherish this event, the event which has brought with it our salvation. We should never forget the priceless gift of salvation which has been given to us freely by our God.
The greatest gift that we can give is to give ourselves to Christ, just as He gave Himself to us. This is what the season is truly about. Let us never forget. Remember to thank God for all with which He has blessed us.
Today may all of us, Priests, Panis, Deacons, Subdeacons, Readers, Parish Officers, Parishioners (young and old ), Friends, and Supporters of our God-protected American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese experience the joy and wonders of the Shepherds and the awe and respect of the Three Wise Men at the arrival of the Messiah, our new born King. Christ is Born!
Greetings from Johnstown with much love,
+Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa