I would like to congratulate you all on the Feast of the Resurrection, which is celebrated today by Eastern Christians. I hope that goodness and peace will prevail in our country, Egypt, and I call upon God to take away the epidemic, which is sweeping the world, and to heal all patients.
The Resurrection is the bell of hope that resonates in every person’s life, declaring that life will not end with their departure from this world, but will last forever. Eternity implies two things: the first is joy and hope, and the other is terror and anxiety.
The Resurrection for those who live in piety and righteousness in this life, and provide good to others, is a message of joy and hope. People who aspire to eternal life in heaven are filled with feelings of joy, and they hope to enjoy the presence of God – blessed be His name – Whom they love. There is no place in their hearts for the feelings of frustration, despair, pain or suffering that they experience in their earthly lives. In heaven, they will meet the angels, martyrs, saints and righteous people, in addition to their loved ones who had departed earlier. Moreover, there is no room in heaven for tiredness, sadness or pain, but rather people will live in peace and happiness.
On the other hand, eternity for the evil is a source of terror, and fear of death usually overwhelms them. They do not care about what will happen to them when they leave this world. They believe they have achieved happiness through their power, authority, money or whatever desire they have fulfilled. Therefore, the Resurrection is for them a warning message, as if it says, “Beware! There is still an endless life!!”
In a nutshell, the life of every human being is an opportunity to work for eternal life, and the Resurrection always remains a message of hope for everyone. Many happy returns!
General Bishop Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
