Archpastoral Letter - Nativity 2023

Beloved in Christ,

In the Gospel according to St. Luke, we encounter the angels proclaiming to the shepherds, “Glad tidings of great joy.” The Savior is born in Bethlehem. The bodiless hosts unite in the jubilant hymn, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men.”

During the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, let us express gratitude to God for sending us His only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.  We offer thanks through the virtues highlighted by the angels: glory, peace, and goodwill.
To glorify God extends beyond verbal prayers, embracing every word we utter. Moreover, we magnify God though attitudes and actions that honor His Kingdom.

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of peace in the world, beginning by fostering peace within our hearts. The peace of God, surpassing all understanding, is an inner stability – a stillness (hesychia) devoid of shame, fear, and the sway of the passions. This peace flourishes through our communion with the Living God.

In the Spirit of the one who is Goodwill incarnate, our Lord Jesus Christ, we must not harbor ill will towards anyone. The parable of the Good Samaritan underscores our readiness to extend goodwill to those in need. Hating others is a sin, but so is indifference to the needs and sorrows of our fellow beings.
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As we join the angels in praising the newborn Savior, let us embrace the true significance of His birth. Our Lord Jesus Christ came so that we may all partake in His goodwill and share in the peace and glory of His eternal Kingdom.
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

With love in the newborn King,
+Alexander, Archbishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Diocese

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