Encyclical on Christmas
Of His Eminence Metropolitan Job of Pisidia,
Hypertimos and Exarch of Side and Antalya
Unto the Reverend Priests and Deacons and the Pious Faithful of the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia.
Beloved Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem. Today he who is without beginning begins to be, and the Word is made flesh. The Powers of heaven rejoice, and earth with mankind is glad. The Magi offer gifts; the Shepherds proclaim the marvel, while we cry aloud without ceasing: ‘Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth; good will among men’ (Lk. 2:14)” (Lauds of the feast).
From year to year, this angelic song resounds on this blessed day of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reminding all humanity of the good news of salvation. From year to year, this song brings a glimmer of hope to humanity which continues to be tormented. From year to year, this song sets a tone of joy to human torments and tragedies. From year to year, the Church celebrates with joy and solemnity the nativity in the flesh of the Son and Word of God in this world filled with war and violence, He who comes to give us peace, as predicted in a divinely inspired way by the holy prophet Isaiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).
In our divine services, the hymnographer rightly crays to our Merciful Lord: “as you are God of peace and Father of mercies, you have sent us your Angel of great counsel, who grants us peace; so we are guided by the knowledge of God, watching before dawn we glorify you, only lover of mankind” (Canon of the feast, Ode 5). However, one may wonder where is this peace that the Son and Word of God brought more than two thousand years ago?
The mystery that we celebrate on this day is that of reconciliation between God and humanity. Man’s sin had made humanity an enemy of God. However, the incarnation of the Son of God came to restore the abyss that had opened up. The death and resurrection of Christ restores humanity‘s relationship with God and restores peace between creature and Creator, a deep and lasting peace that no one can take away. As the Prince of Peace tells us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).
The Son of God is incarnate to bring us eternal peace by granting us new life through the gift of the Holy Spirit. If we truly accept this great gift from God, then our lives will necessarily be transformed and filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). If we sincerely love God, if we are truly filled with his spiritual joy, and if we are truly at peace with him, then our relationships with others are bound to be transformed.
As St. Seraphim of Sarov once stated, “acquire the Spirit of Peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved.” A genuine Christian cannot approve any use of violence or abuse on any creature. Genuine Christians should unequivocally condemn violence of any kind. Genuine Christians should always protect the vulnerable, prevent violence and promote peace among persons and between peoples. For peace is the restauration of creation its true form, as God fashioned it in his eternal counsel. Peace is the very presence of God among us.
With these thoughts, I cordially congratulate you with the feasts of the manifestation of the Lord on earth, asking him to fill us with his unconditional and boundless love and peace.
Antalya, Christmas 2023
+ Job of Pisidia
