TORONTO – Archbishop Sotirios of Canada offered a holiday message to the faithful. The full text follows:

“Christ Is Born, Glorify Him! Christ Is Come from Heaven, Go and Meet Him.”

So, Did You? Did You Receive Holy Communion?

Indeed, He was born in Bethlehem. He was kept warm under the breath of unreasoning animals. The people did not accept Him. They did not provide Him with accommodation in order to be born in the inn. The blameless animals surrounded Him with much more love.

Angels glorified Him. Shepherds worshiped Him. The star shined brightly and guided the wise men who worshiped Him and offered Him gifts. What have you done? Are you still there?

The train is leaving the station. Do you have your ticket in hand? Are you still waiting to board? Did you miss the train? Are you ready? Did you fast? Did you repent? Did you confess? Did you forgive your mother-in-law? Did you forgive your enemy? Did you fill your entire being with love? Did you become like a child within your soul? Did you pull a blanket over baby Jesus in order to keep Him warm?

But what happened? Did you become a hare? Did the turtle overtake you? Do you remember Aesop’s fable? Are you worried and troubled about many things? Will you not choose the good part?

As you know, the good part is Holy Communion. Are you still dwelling on the common spoon? In the way in which Holy Communion is given? What a shame. Christ is waiting for you. He is not interested in the spoon. He does not care how He will come and dwell in you. He is interested in only one thing. To live and walk inside you. To give you life. To give you eternal life. To grant you paradise.

Do not focus on hostilities. Do not become a fundamentalist. Christ is love. Why do you think that you are infallible? Why do you want to impose your opinion? Did not Eosphorus seek to do the same? Where did he end up? You know this better than me. From a bright spirit he became a demon. He does nothing else than oppose the will of God and fight against the people. Be careful not to be like him and follow his example. It seems to me that you have taken this wicked path.

Christ Is Born. Draw near my child. Christ is calling you. Your Father is calling you. Come and receive Holy Communion. Did I not tell you? Only with Holy Communion will you live in paradise from this point forward. Do you want to miss out on this? Does the blind man not want to see?

It is Christmas and you are not in Church. This is unfortunate. But it is not fatal. Since you are receiving Holy Communion, Christ is inside you. You are in paradise. This is what is most important.

My child, come and receive Holy Communion. This is all you need. This will save you. My dear Christians, I wish you a Merry Christmas, with Christ present within your soul.