Patriarch Daniil: In peace with God and with our neighbours, let us work together for our salvation

Patriarch Danil of Bulgaria, Metropolitan of Sofia, greeted the faithful with the joyful words "Christ is risen!" In his Easter message, he called on Orthodox Christians to share the extraordinary joy of heaven with the world through a life of light and good deeds.

"Let us purify our senses, and we shall behold Christ, the Radiant One, shining with unapproachable light; and let us clearly hear Him say to us: 'Rejoice!', as we sing the hymn of victory" (from the Paschal Canon). Perhaps at times we ask ourselves: "Why do we not feel this heavenly joy? Why do our hearts not tremble? Why can we not sense the exultation that the Holy Church proclaims?"

Let us reflect on our way of life. Let us "purify our senses" - that is, let us be vigilant, watch over ourselves and guard against sin. Let us not allow ourselves to be overcome by judgement, forgetfulness of self, selfishness, callousness, indifference or despair. Rather, let us work together - in peace with God and with our neighbours - for our salvation. And when we have "purified our senses", we will "behold Christ shining with the unapproachable light", for sin drives away joy. But living in Christ according to His commandments is the source of grace-filled Easter joy.