Easter Encyclical from Archbishop Stylianos of Australia

+ S T Y L I A N O S

By the grace of God
Archbishop of Australia

To all the Clergy and devout faithful of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Brother Concelebrants and Beloved Children in the Lord,

Christ is Risen!

Having crossed the sea of Holy and Great Lent once again this year, we are all invited, as illumined children of the Church, to receive Christ from the tomb as the Bridegroom.

No matter how great the powers of evil in the world, which darken and tarnish the human person, we are not permitted to show weakness of faith before life itself, since in finality life is redeemed by the Giver of life. The Paschal lamb of God awaits those who have fasted and those who have not, provided that the lethargic receive the Supper as do the pious.

Humanity and the world are the inheritance of God, which the power of death cannot destroy. Whenever we feel that our powers may be failing us in our everyday struggle, we need to remember that beyond all human strength, the power of God remains inexhaustible.

In the language of our ancestors, in the immortal epics of Homer, the words “light” and “human person” are synonymous words. Let us therefore believe, sisters and brothers, in the Light. Let us strive for the Light, so that our works might be accomplished in Light.

Come receive the light from the light which never sets! Peace be with you! Peace be with all!

To Him belong glory and power to the ages of ages. Amen!

With fervent prayers in the Risen Christ,

Archbishop S T Y L I A N O S
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia