Hrizostom: Christmas is a mystery of faith, we must not lose hope

(Patria) - His Eminence Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosnia said in his Christmas message that Christmas is a mystery of faith, not a custom as many try to portray it, and called on the people to peace and goodness in this time of suffering.

Metropolitan Hrizostom emphasized that Christmas is a feast of joy whose fullness, this year as in previous years, is shattered by wars and tragic terrorist attacks on innocent people around the world.

"Every day we hear and read harrowing reports from the battlefields in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen. Equally, our hearts are broken by horrific murders and violence in families, societies, and apocalyptic and unprecedented natural disasters," said Bishop Hrizostom.

The Metropolitan pointed out that all this is unsettling, and that it is not an expression of God's will, but a consequence of sin.

"The Lord endures all the violent of this world, but we must also believe that no one will escape His righteous judgment," emphasized Metropolitan Hrizostom.

The Bishop warned that this is a time of evil people, suffering, and testing of faith, but that we must not lose hope.

"God is with us! Christ is with us! Let us pray with faith and hope, as once did the Holy Apostle Peter, and cry out: Lord, save us, we are perishing. The abuse of the freedom God gave us is the greatest insult to God! Never since the Second World War has there been such fear and uncertainty for our continent, which has found itself in the vortex of tragic events," said Metropolitan Hrizostom.


His Eminence stated that we should not be of little faith, but stand firm in the belief that God is with people, that He will calm this world and make it beautiful and happy again for all.

"We especially ask you, brothers and sisters, look around you and see who needs help, attention, and love, and show them as much as you can," said Metropolitan Hrizostom.

The Bishop asked the faithful to understand well and fully accept the mystery revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ.

"The birth of Jesus Christ is a great mystery that we accept by faith and confess during the joyful Christmas days, when we greet each other with the words: 'Christ is born - Truly He is born!'," stated Metropolitan Hrizostom.

His Eminence said that it is important for the faithful to offer the Lord their hearts, minds, and souls as the most precious possession they have, instead of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Metropolitan emphasized that man is the image of God and by the nature of God's creation belongs to God.

With the wish and belief that Christ may become and always remain the unceasing peace and joy of human souls, Metropolitan Hrizostom wished Orthodox believers a Merry Christmas with the traditional greeting: "Peace of God - Christ is born!", and the new year 2025.