Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Of Alexandria and of Jerusalem For the Feast of Pascha 2013
(31 March 2013)
“Preach the Gospel”
Christ risen from the dead calls his disciples after the Resurrection, to preach the Gospel to the whole world. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Christianity begins after the Resurrection with the kerygma or proclamation, meaning the Gospel, which is Christ, for he himself is the subject of the proclamation or Gospel.
Similarly, Christianity begins on the day of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, also with an announcement or Gospel. That is the meaning of the annunciation made by the angel to the shepherds on Christmas night, “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Christmas begins with Christ the Gospel, joyful Good News. After the Resurrection Christianity begins with the proclamation of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, promising his disciples, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
Christmas brings the glad tidings but their proclamation begins after the Resurrection.