Dearly beloved in the Lord

With profound gratitude to God and the blessings of our Holy Church, We joyfully pen these words as the humble shepherd of the newly formed Asia Pacific Diocese of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church. This historic moment marks not only the expansion of our ecclesiastical boundaries but also the deepening of our spiritual responsibilities across this vibrant and diverse region.

The Metropolitan’s Desk is envisioned as a space of pastoral connection—a bridge between the Diocese and the faithful. As we journey forward, let this platform be a witness to our unity in Christ, a source of encouragement for our parishes, and a call to deeper faith and service. May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide us all as we build up the Body of Christ in the Asia Pacific Region.

On this glorious and radiant season of Resurrection, we proclaim with joy the victory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the grave. The light of His Resurrection shines forth, dispelling the darkness of despair and filling our hearts with the unshakable hope of eternal life.

The Church teaches that Christ’s Resurrection is not just an event in history but the renewal of all creation. Through His death, He destroyed death, and through His Resurrection, He grants us the promise of life in communion with God. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns!”

In a world often shrouded in uncertainty, fear, and fragmentation, the radiant proclamation of Resurrection– “Christ is risen! Indeed, He is risen!” – shines as a beacon of unwavering hope. We live in a time marked by:

•⁠ ⁠Isolation and Division: The digital age, while connecting us in some ways, can paradoxically foster isolation and deepen societal divisions. This Feast of Resurrection reminds us of the communal nature of salvation, the breaking down of barriers, and the restoration of fellowship. The risen Christ gathers us into one body, transcending the divisions that seek to separate us.

•⁠ ⁠Anxiety and Despair: Faced with global crises, personal struggles, and the constant barrage of information, many experience profound anxiety and despair. Pascha proclaims the victory over death, the ultimate enemy, offering a powerful antidote to fear. The empty tomb is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, a love that conquers even the darkest of nights.

The joy of Resurrection is not fleeting; it is the eternal joy of the Kingdom of God breaking into our world. In the Holy Eucharist, we partake of the Risen Christ, uniting ourselves to Him and to one another as His Body, the Church. Our task, as Orthodox Christians, is to live as witnesses of the Resurrection—spreading love, forgiveness, and peace in a world that so desperately needs the light of Christ.

As we celebrate this great feast, let us remember that the Risen Christ calls us to transformation. Just as He emerged from the tomb in glory, we too are called to rise from the tomb of sin, fear, and spiritual slumber. Let us embrace His love with renewed faith, trusting that His victory is also our victory.

May the grace of the Risen Lord fill your hearts and homes with divine peace, joy, and unshakable hope.

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Yours in Our Risen Lord,

Metropolitan Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros