Reflecting on the theme of Christmas, the head of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy, said that this event is not related to the calendar, being way above and beyond it.
“Christmas was a historic event, it took place at God’s appointed time and in a place prophesied by Him many centuries ago. But it was not bound by calendar or history, remaining as much above them as the birth of the Son of God is more significant and important than the birth of just a man,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy, speaking in a sermon on Christmas Eve.
The head of the OCU noted that Christmas goes beyond time, and the feast that we begin with this service is a testimony to this for all of us. Because in celebrating we do not just remember something long past – Christmas becomes part of a modern world for us.
“Not only to the shepherds in the field, but to each of us personally, the angel of the Lord addresses and says: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”(Luke 2: 10-11). Through faith, we, like them, hear angelic choirs glorifying God, preaching peace on earth, and benevolence in men. With spiritual eyes, we see in the nativity scene the Child lying in the manger – the Son of God, who also became the Son of Man,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.
According to the OCU Primate, all this motivates everyone who hears about Christmas to take action.
“If we are truly Christians, we must glorify the Born together with the angels. It is up to us, together with the shepherds and sages, to meet the Son of God and worship Him properly. And if we do this not only on Christmas day, but throughout our lives – then we will be exalted from the earthly to the heavenly, from the temporary life – we will pass into the blissful eternal life. After all, the Son of God came down from heaven to raise everyone who believes in Him and acts in line with the will of His Father. With such thoughts, dear brothers and sisters, let us begin the celebration by receiving joy, love, and peace from the Divine Infant and spreading them in our own words and deeds from the Nativity of Bethlehem – all over the world!” Metropolitan Epifaniy concluded.
Metropolitan Epifaniy also said that Christmas is celebrated by all Christians, regardless of calendar tradition.
