Dedicated to Anthi
Long before Jesus walked the Earth, ancient history was full of stories of gods and goddesses who had been born of virgins, performed miracles, and resurrected from death. For this reason, pagan rituals and beliefs from various cultures in the world have been integrated with Christian rituals and beliefs. The Greek Orthodox are well aware of the origins of their Christian rituals, as fully demonstrated by a humble church on the island of Chios. Carefully preserved marble relics of ancient pagan temples can be seen interspersed among the rocks within the walls of this church. At first glance, a visitor can see images of gods and goddesses together with Christian symbols.
The mystery of life, death, and rebirth has fascinated humankind forever, and every culture and age has sought a way to express their intuitive sense that life does not begin or end here. There is something immortal and eternal about our lives. We feel it, but finding an adequate way to express it has always been a great challenge, and proving it, impossible. To Christians, Jesus provided the ultimate proof with his resurrection. In addition, his resurrection proved he was who he said he was—the Son of God, who also is the physical incarnation of God. Although the Greek Orthodox believe we are all children of God, what makes Jesus different from the rest of us is he is the perfect son of God, the one we should all emulate as we strive to become one with God also.
The four gospels in the New Testament reveal some differences in the resurrection story, but most agree that when the disciples first encountered Jesus after his resurrection, they did not recognize him. Jesus came to them in physical form, but he appeared as a stranger who later revealed himself to be Jesus. In addition, Jesus came seemingly out of nowhere and suddenly disappeared. His physical form materialized and dissolved instantaneously at will. Jesus seemed to have had a new body with the power to become physical and then return to the purely spiritual energy and back again. In essence, Jesus demonstrated that he had become one with the Holy Spirit of God that has no limitations or constraints and can appear in any form to anyone, just as the Holy Spirit first appeared as a dove when Jesus was baptized. Therefore, Jesus is said to live forever, and his spirit can be felt even now. He may be appearing to us as a stranger today. Or, perhaps he appears as an animal such as a dove. With absolute mastery over his energy, Jesus can appear to us in any shape or form, and he can be giving us his loving and healing energy.
The great joy of the resurrection celebrated every Easter, I believe, is not merely due to Jesus having proven that life is eternal, but also that he himself is not dead and can be with us, helping and healing us still. He was not lost to us, and he will always be with us at our invitation and request.
I felt this elation the first time I celebrated Easter at a Greek Orthodox church. I felt it in the shouts, “Christos anesti! (Christ has risen!)” I saw it on everyone’s faces in the glow of their candles as they gave their light to each other until all the darkness of the night had been dispelled. This euphoric moment was truly ineffable. I was overwhelmed with the all-inclusive and welcoming spirit among strangers who suddenly felt like family. This is what Heaven must feel like--no judgement, only pure bliss. To believers, Jesus brought Heaven to Earth. In fact, he is Heaven on Earth, and we who desire to live in this perfect harmony are called to carry his torch, not just once a year, but every day, through loving without judgement, forgiving, even our enemies, and healing.
I have been taught well what this means, mostly by my beloved sister-in-law and godmother, Anthi. I have witnessed how she lives in alignment with Jesus’s teachings with all her neighbors and family. She doesn’t need to speak a word. In everything she does, Anthi lives and breathes the Holy Spirit. Whenever I think of Anthi, I see her strolling through her village, lighting a candle and whispering a prayer at every church. There is always someone who needs her prayers and her help. With God, she moves her hand to give whatever she has to give to anyone who asks. When I think of Anthi, I have no doubt Jesus lives, especially among those who earnestly strive to live by his teachings.
Whatever are your beliefs, dear readers, I wish you love that never dies. May you also be a source of love and joy in the universe and forever be blessed.
Original Photo, Lark Syrris
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