Archbishop Stefan, head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric, delivered his Paschal Epistle, addressing the recent tragic fire in Kochani and emphasizing the hope found in the resurrection of Christ. The message also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the First Macedonian Church-National Assembly and the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.

In his message, Archbishop Stefan highlighted the contrast between the “merciless reality of death” exposed by the Kochani tragedy, which claimed the lives of sixty children and injured over two hundred, and the “bright hope in the resurrection” that provides comfort. He noted that the tragedy united the people in grief and prayer, underscoring the importance of forgiveness and faith in the face of suffering.

The Archbishop stated that the Church teaches that Christ’s redemptive work was fully realized through His resurrection. He emphasized that God incarnated, was crucified, and resurrected to give life and freedom from death. He encouraged believers to follow Christ and receive light from the unfading Light, glorifying His resurrection.

Archbishop Stefan reminded the faithful that evil is born from man’s distance from God, leading to wars, suffering, and injustice. He asserted that the most important battles are those waged within oneself, through repentance and return to God. He emphasized that those who believe inherit Christ’s victory over evil, becoming like God through obedience to His commandments.

The Archbishop noted that there is no resurrection without crucifixion and no true joy without tears, he also commemorated those who sacrificed their lives to save others. He stated that their actions reflected the love commanded by the risen Lord: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Finally, Archbishop Stefan conveyed Easter greetings and expressed the wish that the Lord’s blessing may reign in everyone and the world. He encouraged believers to confess their faith in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. He called upon the faithful to live their faith and confess that God will raise their bodies with the same power He raised the Lord.