In his Christmas message on Wednesday, Archbishop of America Elpidophoros addressed the Orthodox faithful, along with the clergy, monastics, parish councils and Greek Orthodox organizations of the Archdiocese of America, reflecting on the profound meaning of Christ’s birth.
“The birth of the Prince of Peace, occurring in a humble cave in Bethlehem in the presence of lowly creatures, is truly the miracle of miracles,” the Archbishop states.
His Eminence emphasized that the Nativity is both an act of God’s supreme love for creation and of human participation in that divine love. By accepting to become the living temple of God, the Virgin Mary offers her body to incarnate the divine, nurturing Christ within her for nine months until the moment comes for Him to enter the fragile human world.
Archbishop Elpidophoros highlighted the vulnerability of the newborn Christ, dependent on His mother and caretakers, and reminds the faithful that through Him, each person is invited to partake in divine life. “Let us embrace the newborn in Bethlehem, who is born in the cave of our hearts. Gentle and humble, He knows the vulnerability of human nature because He endured it for our sake. Let us fill our lives with the gifts He freely bestows: love, mercy, compassion, gentleness, and forgiveness.”
He concludes with the traditional exclamation: “Christ is born! Glorify Him!”
Watch the Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Christmas Message here
