Enjoying the Resurrection

His Holiness Pope Shenouda opens his speech by offering congratulations on the Feast of the Resurrection and thanking the celebration’s guests from state and government figures, party leaders, representatives of the people, and the honorable attendees.
His Holiness explains the place of the Resurrection feast in the church, clarifying the fifty days of joy and the Resurrection hymn that is chanted and is even used at funerals as an expression of hope.
He affirms that Christ’s resurrection is unique and distinct because He rose by His own power and life, and He rose in an eternal, glorified resurrection; therefore He is called “the firstfruit of those who slept.”
The Resurrection has delivered humanity from the terror of death; death has become a golden bridge to eternal life rather than an absolute end.
The Resurrection has practical spiritual effects: the fall of the dread of death, renunciation of worldly pleasures, and an eternal life that becomes the goal and readiness for it motivates holiness and daily work.
He stresses that faith in the Resurrection is what causes a person to refrain from sin even in private, and gives life value and necessity to work in order to prepare for the Resurrection and the righteous judgment.
Holiness and hope in the Resurrection comfort the bereaved, and the church reads about the Resurrection in the homes of the departed to give consolation that the one who passed away will rise.
He concludes with prayers for the peace of countries and continents affected by wars and drought, asking for blessings for our country Egypt and for the waters of the Nile, and for the feast’s blessing for all people and for unity and love to work in daily life.

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