“To this I was born
and for this I came into the world,
to bear witness to the truth;
“whoever is of the truth obeys my voice.”
(John 18:37)
Your Graces Archpastors of our Holy Church,
Honourable priests and deacons,
Venerable monastics,
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
On this holy day, full of light and truth, joy is spread over the face of the whole earth “for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, whose dominion is upon His shoulder, and His name is called: Angel of great counsel, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Overcomer, Lord of peace, Father of the age to come. And great shall be His dominion, and His peace shall know no bounds.” (Isaiah 9:5-6).
People on earth rejoice with the angelic hosts, for “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of one born of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).
Today the heavenly light embraces all humanity, for through the birth above nature of our Lord and God “the light of knowledge has dawned upon the world.” (from the Nativity of the Lord troparion).
The people are made known “the mystery hidden for ages…” (Colossians 1:26) “when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” (Galatians 4, 4) .
The One born in the manger of Bethlehem is none other than the Son of God Himself, and this witness is brought to the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel: “The Holy One who will be born of you, the Son of God will be called.” (Luke 1:35).
The faithful who prepared for this feast of the Nativity of the Lord with fasting, prayer and good works, filled their souls with great joy, as had been proclaimed to the shepherds near Bethlehem: “Behold, I bring you joy which shall be to all people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).
The beauty and joy of the feast of the Birth of the Christ Child is filled each year with the angelic song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14).
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
“God has called us to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15), to forgiveness, to reconciliation, to kindness and love.
The year 2023, being left to us by God to work for peace and salvation for ourselves and for our fellow men, has brought with it certain trials for the Church and for the right-faithful people. Our Fatherly word, however, remains the same for each and every one: Let us pray for the peace of the world, for the welfare of God’s holy Churches!
At the same time, “I exhort you, brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be completely united in the same mind and in the same understanding.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
It is with sorrow in my heart that I address those who have strayed and fallen away from the obedience of the Church, reminding them of the words of St. Paul the Apostle: “I marvel that you are so quick to turn from him who called you by the grace of Christ to another gospel, which is no other, except that there are some who trouble you and desire to change the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7).
And again “I urge you, brothers, beware of those who cause divisions and offenses. Depart from them!” (Romans 16, 17).
Remaining faithful to the Church, we remain faithful to her Founder and His teachings, as He left them, our Lord Jesus Christ, whose incarnation we celebrate. He taught us to live in unity, peace and good understanding among ourselves, not in divisions and offenses, but desired that His peace should reign throughout the whole world (Romans 12:18).
Right-faithful Christians!
Congratulating all of you in the country and far from Motherland, home and relatives, on the occasion of the holy winter holidays: Nativity, New Year and Epiphany, I wish you peace and health, increase in right faith, holy love and living the Truth, which is Christ!
May you all have holidays full of grace!
God bless you!
With arch-pastoral and paternal blessings,
METROPOLITAN OF CHISINAU AND ALL MOLDOVA
Nativity of the Lord,
Year of salvation 2023/2024,
Chișinău