An Easter Message from Bishop Lynne

Apse of paracclesion from Church of the Saviour in Chora, Istanbul, Türkiye.  14th century fresco of the Resurrection
April 19, 2024On Holy Saturday, “Jesus descended to the dead “  (Apostles Creed, in between death and resurrection).  Jesus has broken down the gates of hell; he is actively trampling on top of them and all the bolts and chains that have imprisoned the dead.  He has freed Adam and Eve, symbolizing all humans.  He has grabbed them by their wrists and is pulling them out of their graves, as well as saints from Hebrew Scripture and all who have gone before Jesus.   The luminous Risen Christ is facing toward the viewer, us, to include all of us in his action of freeing from the grip of death.   For centuries the Eastern Church has envisioned not an individual resurrection (a later invention of the West)  but a universal resurrection, all creation freed and alive.  What chains of death would you imagine Christ trampling underfoot for you? For humanity? For Earth itself?I invite you to spend time in meditation with a tree newly in leaf  or a flower about to bud, the greening power of God.  Happy Easter!  Christ is Risen!   God’s life-giving power has raised Jesus from the dead and swept all of us and the whole earth into the Resurrection.  (see image below) “From death to life eternal,,,,our Christ has brought us over”.  (see hymn below)Today we celebrate with all the newly baptised, including Scarlett and Quinlin at St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna, and those newly confirmed at Easter: Scarlett, Quinlin and Glen.  May God bless you, that this Easter season you may experience renewed Joy in God’s power to bring new life, fresh hope, and resilient courage. Yours in the Risen Christ,1 The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
the passover of gladness,
the passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
from earth unto the sky,
our Christ hath brought us over,
with hymns of victory.2 Our hearts be pure from evil,
that we may see aright
the Lord in rays eternal
of resurrection light;
and listening to his accents,
may hear, so calm and plain,
his own “All hail!” and, hearing,
may raise the victor strain.3 Now let the heavens be joyful!
Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph,
and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen
their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord hath risen,
our joy that hath no end.Common Praise #205  St.  John of Damascus  (c 675-787) Greek Poet;  Tr. J.M. Neale 1818-1866