“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”

The Paschal (Easter) homily of Saint John Chrysostom calls out to us: the doors are open—come in. “Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness.” Pascha (Easter) is not a reward for the perfect. It is a gift for the weary, the broken, and the hungry. Whether we have struggled from the beginning or are only now turning back, Christ receives us the same.

This is the mercy of God.

We often carry burdens—guilt, fear, a sense that we are not worthy. But the Resurrection speaks gently to the heart: you do not earn this feast—you are invited into it. As Saint Gregory of Nazianzus teaches, “Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him.” The Resurrection is not far away. It is meant to be lived now, in the depths of our hearts.

And the Church proclaims with boldness: “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” This is not just words—it is truth. Death has been defeated. Fear has lost its power. A new life has begun. So today, do not remain outside. Come as we are. Bring our weakness. Bring our longing. Enter into the joy of the risen Christ. For there is a place prepared for us— and in Him, a new beginning awaits. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!