
If a person is not aware of themselves as a sinner, they will not understand why they need a Savior. Also, we understand the value of the Church only when we realize that we need forgiveness of sins.
Christ came to save sinners. So that they may confess and repent of their sins and then receive the saving “medicine of immortality,” as the ancients called the Eucharist. For the Lord promised (John 6:54) that the life of those who partake of His body and blood would not end in the grave, but would continue in the resurrection.
We understand also the value of human life when we see death. When we realize that no one can escape it. And the more death there is around us, the more we value life. But now I’m talking about eternal life, because life without eternity is nothing more than agonizing expectation of death.
Earthly life without eternity just does not make sense.
So come to church, confess your sins, listen to God’s word, partake of Christ as often as possible, and then you, too, after and like Him, will rise to eternal life.
Blessed Easter to you, fathers coworkers and beloved parishioners! Christ is risen!
Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church