Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla
Christ is Risen!
Truly He is Risen!
Christos Voskrese!
Voistinnu Voskrese!
May the blessing of the Risen Lord bless you and your families during this Easter Season!
Easter is time of joy. The scent of the flowers of Easter and Easter foods invite us to the feast. The Gospels and Easter songs call us to remember and to celebrate our Savior Jesus Christ rising from the dead to new and eternal life.His rising shows us the path to life with Him.In the glorious light of the Resurrection all our problems fade away like smoke before the fire.
During the 2025 Paschal celebration in this Jubilee of Hope year, we raise our prayers that the Lord gives us hope for peace in Ukraine and a return to a normal
pattern of life for our country. Today’s problems are no different than those of the early church. The Apostles had lost Jesus their leader and the future was uncertain.
Then, the Resurrected Jesus arose and appeared to reassure them. Their hope in Jesus’ return was fulfilled, and Peter and the other apostles and disciples were empowered to lead the early church. Today, no matter what happens, our hope in the power of the Resurrection will give us strength.
Next month, we are sending pilgrims to Rome to offer prayers to restore hope.
Pope Francis has called all to come to Rome, and many from our church have responded. They will join with the other Byzantine Catholic Churches for the celebration in Saint Peter’s Basilica on May 14, 2025.They will offer prayers
at several churches to restore our Christian hope for the continued divine intervention to help us.
Also, I will travel to Ukraine to represent our Church as one of our priests will be beatified on May 3, 2025.Father Peter Oros was a martyred priest of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine. He gave his life to preserve our Byzantine Catholic faith. In our own way, we give our lives to not only save ourselves, but also to help make the world a little better each day.
As we enter the Easter Season, we try to reach out to others who have lost hope for the future. We continue to be the bearers of the Good News that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is calling everyone to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
On behalf of the Metropolitan Church, we thank you for your journey through the Lenten Fast and participation in celebrations for the Great Week. Carry the joy of the Resurrection that fills your heart and mind to your family, friends, and to the whole world.
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
