Resurrection message from His Holiness

By the Grace of God,
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church

No. E088/06 

Date: 12 April 2006

Apostolic Benediction to our beloved spiritual children: the Reverend Vicars, the office bearers and all other Faithful of all our churches in the Gulf Region.

During His public ministry, before He raised Lazarus from among the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ declared: "I am the Resurrection and the Life.." (St. John 11:25) And He brought Lazarus back to life after his, body had started to decay. Many believed in our Lord because of this miracle of raising Lazarus from among the dead and many other miracles He did among the people. But the Jewish religious leaders of those times were blinded by jealousy; they did not understand the power of our Lord. They stood against Him and crucified Him. But our Lord Jesus rose from among the dead on the third day. With the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, His disciples, who had earlier lost hope at His Crucifixion, were filled with renewed hope and courage. They proclaimed the Good News of the salvation through our Lord the world over. Our Lord Jesus conquered death. So, death no longer has any power over Him. His Resurrection has thus become our hope and our life. He has assured us: "Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die." (St. John 11:20) So, abide in Him by repenting of all your sins and by believing in Him with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and become heirs of eternal life. And, "Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peacefully with all." (Romans 12:16-18) Be, thus, true children of God. Let all see your good works and glorify God the Father who sent His Only begotten Son, Lord Jesus, into the world for our salvation. And as you celebrate the Holy Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, remember and pray, also, for those who are facing various kinds of hardships in different parts of the world, that they too may receive peace and relief from God. We wish you all a Blessed and Happy Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and extend our Apostolic Blessings to you. May the grace of God be with you all.

Our Father Who art in heaven, ....