The Resurrection of Christ is also the Cross, and the Cross of Christ is also the Resurrection – Metropolitan Nahum of Strumica
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The lie beguiles you with its sweet talk, but its fruits are bitter. The Truth is as sharp as a sword and can seem repulsive at first, and for this reason, if we accept it – it quickly sobers our reason.
The Resurrection of Christ is the core of our existence, eternal and temporal, and not just folk folklore and tradition – “a time for fun.” Only in the Church – Which is the Body of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ is simultaneously the Cross, and the Cross of Christ is also the Resurrection. If you do not yet see the Resurrection on the Cross as eternal life – in the Church, then you are in danger of seeing the cross at the Resurrection of the dead only as a judgment – outside of the Church.
Therefore, if on your life’s path you see only a cross without Resurrection, i.e. only suffering without divine consolation and joy; or if you see only resurrection, i.e. some kind of joy and consolation, but without the Cross, i.e. without suffering for the sake of Christ – you are outside the Truth; and from the Church of Christ. In such a case, hurry to return, through volitional struggle and gratitude to God for everything, to the right Path – Christ, Who is Life and Truth. And you will be resurrected for eternal life, and not for judgment; right now – in this life. Christ is Risen!
Metropolitan of Strumica, Nahum
Resurrection Liturgy in the Monastery “St. Leontius” in Vodocha.
20 / 04 / 2025
