Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Indeed he is Risen! In this season of Pascha, we are called to step into the radiant light of the Resurrection—a light that pierces the darkness of our present struggles. As we gather in the sacred mystery of the Orthodox liturgy, we are reminded by the ancient blessing of our forebears: the Paschal troparion proclaims, "Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life." This blessed truth reverberates in our midst as we confront the trials of our time.

Our liturgy, filled with the choral joy of "Alleluia!" during the Great Paschal Vigil and the jubilant clamor of "Christ is Risen!" at the reading of the Gospel, is not just a remembrance of an event long past—it is a living testament to the Resurrection’s power to transform despair into hope. When we witness the veiled icons and hear the resonant voices in the services, we partake in an ancient tradition that reminds us of the triumph over sin and death. These moments call us to reflect on our own lives, inviting us to embrace the renewal that the Risen Lord offers.

This year carries a special significance as we also commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Seventeen hundred years ago, the early Church gathered in a spirit of unity and discernment, giving birth to the Nicene Creed—a declaration of faith that has long guided us in the understanding of the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the nature of our Risen Lord. In light of the Paschal illumination, this anniversary reminds us that the same Spirit that inspired the Fathers at Nicaea continues to shine upon us today, guiding our understanding of truth and fortifying our bond as one body in Christ. Just as the Council of Nicaea dispelled doctrinal darkness with the clear light of truth, so too does the Resurrection dispel the shadows of despair that sometimes dim the modern world.

We recognize that today America faces significant economic hardships and political challenges. The hardship felt by families, the uncertainty in our communities, and the divisions in our civic life are real and deeply felt. Yet, amid these trials, our Orthodox faith teaches us that the Resurrection is not merely a historical milestone, but a present reality—a promise that new life can and does arise even in the midst of our most challenging circumstances. Just as Christ overcame the power of death, His Resurrection inspires us to confront economic and political obstacles with resilience, compassion, and a steadfast hope in the healing power of God.

In this Paschal season, let us allow the liturgy to guide our hearts and minds. As we recite the "Paschal Canon" and meditate on the everlasting hope imbued in the Holy Doors of the iconostasis, let us also open our hearts to the call for renewal in every facet of our lives. May the powerful witness of the Resurrection propel us to act in solidarity—to support one another, to serve those in need, and to engage in the healing work of reconciliation in our divided society.

Let our personal and communal prayers become a beacon of hope that transcends every earthly challenge. Let the Resurrection infuse us with the courage to rebuild our communities with justice and love, to lift the downtrodden, and to show that faith in Christ can overcome even the most daunting adversities.

With hearts full of Paschal joy and minds emboldened by His victory, let us go forth this Easter season and every day, sharing the transformative power of Christ’s Resurrection with the world around us.

May the light of the Risen Christ guide you, protect you, and renew you in every moment of your life.

In the spirit of everlasting hope and renewal,

Mitred Archpriest Bartimaeus Cook
Dean
Deanery of St. Jacob Netsvetov
Archeparchy of St. Peter the Aleut