Dear in Christ Brothers and Sisters,

Congratulations with the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, as well as the day of all the New-Martyrs of Russia, who were persecuted by the atheistic communists during the 20th century.

Last week we heard in the Epistle reading that Christ forgives all, even the worst sinners. In the sermon we noted that there is no specific need to prove this; it’s all clear enough as it is. The beginning of today’s reading said that we labour and suffer reproach because we have faith that Christ will save us. Paul emphasizes that God especially saves the faithful, that is, God opens to all mankind the possibility of salvation, but only the faithful walk through that door and work on it.

The second half of today’s reading holds within itself practical instructions to the young pastor and bishop, Timothy. Paul tells him to direct the faithful and to teach them. He continues that a pastor must act in such a manner that no one has cause to complain about his young age. He must be an example to the faithful in all things. He is obliged to read, and, of course, study Holy Scripture, to encourage the sorrowful and to teach. He must readily use those gifts received from the Holy Spirit. Paul finishes up by instructing Timothy to do all of this so that it would be obvious to all that he is labouring for the good of the Church.

Although these words are meant first of all for Timothy and, in general, for all the priests and bishops, they are also important for all the faithful. We never know when we will meet a person who is seeking God, searching for truth, or thinking about the Church. If each of us strives to live as Paul suggested to Timothy, and acts in such a way that it is clear that he is a Christian, then at any moment he himself could become a pastor and lead that person who is searching for God to his goal. Isn’t this wonderful?! At the same time, a believer who forgets his high calling and doesn’t follow the suggestions of the apostle might easily destroy the souls of other men. Seeing such a spiritually disorderly Christian, a person could lose interest in the Church forever. And this is very sorrowful.

Through the prayers of the New-Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, who with such clarity embodied that about which we heard in today’s Epistle reading, especially in their martyric struggles in prisons, camps, exile, and at interrogations, may the Lord God give us strength and wisdom to remember who we are and to act accordingly.

priest Alexis