MONTENEGRIN ORTHODOX CHURCH

By the grace of God, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro
† Mihailo

EPISTLE

To the noble Montenegrin people and Christ-loving faithful,
Archpastoral Blessing and Holy Greeting: “Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen!”

My dear Montenegrins,

This year, as Easter is celebrated simultaneously in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions, according to God’s providence, I address you with a special feeling of spiritual joy and hope. The year 2025 holds particular significance for the Christian world, as we mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, where the truth about the unity of Christ’s Church was affirmed.

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church”—these words from the Creed echo through the centuries, reminding us that unwavering unity lies at the heart of our spiritual identity. When we pray “Our Father,” we do not say “My Father” or “His Father,” because there is one God, one baptism, and one Church of Christ. The Lord Himself promised us: “I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

In the light of this jubilee, we are called to re-examine our commitment to the core principles of the Christian faith, especially in times when unity is often sacrificed for particular interests.

Throughout history, Montenegro has endured many trials and sufferings. Yet what belongs to God cannot be destroyed by any earthly or demonic force. It is not our suffering that qualifies us for the Kingdom of Heaven, nor does our cross save us, but Christ’s. Therefore, we look ahead with faith, knowing that the Lord never abandons us.

Today, across the world, we celebrate the feast of Christ’s Resurrection. Christ, through His cross and resurrection, triumphed over falsehood and death. “If Christ is with us and we are in Christ,” then we too partake in His resurrection. But let us remember that before the resurrection came suffering and death on Golgotha. There is no resurrection without death, no victory without struggle, no joy without trial.

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come among men and suffer death merely to redeem us from the ancestral sin, but also to save us today from the consequences of falling into sin. Christ rose so that love may triumph on earth, that in love there be truth, and in truth—justice. This is why Christ left us the Cross and the Gospel for our salvation.

As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, I express deep concern for the position of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and the Montenegrin people, whose path to their own altars has been made difficult. We must recognize that without the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, the spiritual identity of the state of Montenegro is called into question.

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church, as the spiritual mother of Montenegrins, represents the authentic expression of our people’s faith. Saint Peter of Cetinje taught us that “faith without works is dead,” and the works of faith must always be directed toward building peace, justice, and unity.

In these challenging times, as we face many threats from within and without, I call upon all believers to turn to the values Christ preached—love, truth, justice, and unity. Only through sincere repentance and the rejection of selfish interests can we build a community that reflects Christ’s love.

I wish that this year’s Easter brings harmony, peace, and love to all people on earth. In a time when new conflicts and divisions arise around the world, let us be the heralds of peace and unity, following the example of the Risen Christ.

I greet you with the most heartfelt Easter greeting:

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

Be blessed.

Your prayerful intercessor before the Lord,

Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro
† Mihailo
m.p.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rveLGjkGJUs