The venerable Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, in his address to the faithful on Christmas Day 1942, amidst the tumult of the Second World War, exhorted us to struggle: “Those who, with Christ, have battled the passions that lead to sin within their own hearts, who have tasted the power of Christ in victories over themselves, do not merely believe in Christ’s victory but know it from personal experience… the cause of our sorrow will pass, and the day of joy will dawn.”
Dear brothers and sisters, during this Nativity fast, we urge you to engage in intentional spiritual exercises aimed at overcoming sin in your lives, leading you into the battle for the purity of your hearts. As Jesus teaches, “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander.” (Matt. 15:19)
Much work lies ahead, but it is the sole path to a genuine experience of the Nativity of Our Lord. We are called to comprehend the gift of patience, for in God’s timing, everything unfolds according to His divine plan. While we may ardently desire swift change and accomplishment, true transformation occurs when we cooperate with God’s grace, serving our neighbors with fervor “in afflictions, hardships, and distress.” Thus, we become like those who are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (2 Cor. 6:4-10)
At the liturgical prayers of the Feast of the Nativity, the Church proclaims, “For the Father’s express Image, the Imprint of His eternity, takes the form of a servant, and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock. For what He was, He has remained, true God: and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind.” (Stichera of the Great Vespers of the Nativity of Our Lord)
The radiant light of God will illuminate our countenances, and our virtuous deeds will shine as the star of Bethlehem, guiding us to the manger where the Savior of the world lies.
+Borys Gudziak
Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA
+Paul Chomnycky
Bishop of the Eparchy of Stamford
+Benedict Aleksiychuk (author)
Bishop of Saint Nicholas Eparchy of Chicago
+Bohdan Danylo
Bishop of Saint Josaphat Eparchy of Parma