About 1930, the Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin journeyed from Moscow to Kiev. His mission was to address a huge assembly on atheism. For a solid hour, he aimed his heavy artillery at Christianity, hurling argument and ridicule.

At last he was finished and viewed what seemed to be the smoldering ashes of men's faith. "Are there any questions?" Bukharin demanded.

A solitary man rose and asked permission to speak. He mounted the platform and moved close to the Communists. The audience was breathlessly silent as the man surveyed them first to the right, then to the left.

At last he shouted the powerful Orthodox greeting, "CHRIST IS RISEN!" The vast assembly arose as one voice and the response came crashing like the sound of thunder, "HE IS RISEN INDEED!"

Let us boldly shout, "Truly He is Risen!" And may this joyous message stir our hearts into action to reflect our Lord's love for us ~ Jesus' mercy for us!

Let us boldly proclaim, "He is Risen!" and reach out our hands as Jesus extends His loving arms to save us from hopelessness, despair, apathy and death.

Let us joyously proclaim, "He is Risen Indeed" as we become renewed and take on the armor of gentleness, compassion, patience and love. We are to love our neighbor as if we are loving the person of Christ.

May we continue to recite this Lenten journey prayer keeping the fire of Christ's Resurrection and light shinning in our lives:

"Let the pure light of Your love shine in my heart, O Lord. I bring to You my prayer. Help me to renew my Life in You.

As I contemplate Your Sacrifice on the Cross, let me strive to be worthy. As I look to Your glorious Resurrection, let it be a resurrection of myself. Let the purity in my soul re-awaken my own spiritual joy. Let me remember all You ask Your children to do and be. Help me in that realization as I prepare myself to receive You.

Forgive me my sins. Where there is hate in my heart, help me to put love. Where I have lived for myself, help me to experience the joy of feeling and giving to others.

When I have offended You, or any of my brothers and sisters, either through intent or neglect, let me remember that forgiveness is from You, and repentance my key to Your salvation.

Let Your Cross be the symbol of Your presence in my life. Let Your Resurrection be my hope and joy. Help me O Lord, to overcome and to sustain myself in the time You have given me. Help me in prayer, in fasting, and in renewal. Help me O Lord, for I am Yours.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us."

In His service & love,

Fr. Tom