"I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE" (JOHN 11:25).
Through the blessings of Almighty God on April 20th–with spiritual joy–we will celebrate the victorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. From the empty tomb once again the angels are heralding the good news to all humanity–that "Christ is risen from the dead."
Indeed–for the salvation of human’souls–by the grace of the crucifixion–death and the victorious Resurrection of our Lord–once and for all–death was defeated and by His Resurrection–and we were granted renewed life and the hope of everlasting life. The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation and the base of our faith; as St. Paul emphasizes–"If Christ has not been raised–then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (I Cor. 15:14).
History is witness that the Armenian People from the first Century on–have deeply believed in the true Resurection of our Lord and because of our indestructible faith–strengthened with optimism–we have lived and continue to live in our Homeland and in the Diaspora.
While we celebrate with national pride–the resurrection of our Lord and people–with manifold activities–and–also in the year 2003–we officially observe the Jubilee Year; the 1700th Anniversary of construction of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia by St. Gregory the Illuminator and St. Dertad–King of Armenia–let us express our faith to the whole world with our good deeds and exemplary life.
In the month of April let us also remember the souls of our martyrs–especially the 1.5 million Armenia’s who became victims of the First Genocide of the 20th Century perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Empire.
On the occasion of the life-giving Resurrection Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ–we express our heartfelt felicitations to His Holiness Karekin II–Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenia’s–wishing him good health and longevity.
Our Fatherly warm greetings and blessings to our Diocesan Clergy–Church Organizations and to all our faithful.
Let us greet one another heralding the good news:
"Christ is Risen from the dead,"Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ."
With Fatherly Blessings–
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian–Primate
Holy Easter–2003
