Year of Peace and Unity

They were tragically separated from their beloved Teacher and Lord, and plunged into deep sadness and confusion. The death of Christ, like a dark veil, covered their plans for the future and their hopes were destroyed. But then, the one who conquered death and hell, greets them with these words, instilling peace, and revealed His divine essence, reassuring them their future is filled with victorious joy on earth and in eternity!

After such a greeting, Christ inspires them to the ministry prepared for them and promises to be with them always, until the end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). At the same time, he asks them to be together, maintaining unity among themselves to receive strength from above in the Holy Spirit. Peace and unity became the constant companions of the early church.

The world we live in is full of evil, tragedies, conflicts, wars and other phenomena that make people feel oppressed, fearful, anxious, confused, and spiritually or physically wounded. People are tired of bloody conflicts and long, waiting eagerly for peace. For this, I want to loudly repeat the words of the resurrected Christ: "Peace be with you!"

The year 2025 is called the Year of Peace and Unity in our brotherhood (or denomination). These two conditions are characteristic of a healthy society. The events that are happening on earth testify that the whole society is not healthy. By calling this year the Year of Peace and Unity, we affirm to make every effort with prayer, that the Lord would give healing to our people, and turn their hearts to Jesus, who gives true peace, the ability to forgive one another, brotherly love and true unity in Christ.

Let us demonstrate God's peace that reigns in our hearts and in our churches, and brotherly unity in our communities! Let us try to carry out a peacemaking ministry with the help of love and evangelism. May the Lord answer the prayers of His Church!

Peter Mitskevich