Address of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Before the Beginning of the Nativity Fast

Dear brothers and sisters!

Today we set out upon the saving paths of the Fast, which prepares us for the feast of peace and God’s love – the Nativity of Christ. In these sacred days, our desire to renew our spiritual life will be strengthened by special gifts from Above, by divine grace and by the consolation afforded by the approaching feast of the appearance in the world of the incarnate Son of God.

The strictness of the Fast is intended to remind us of the biblical truth – “The Lord is near” (Phil. 4:5). Every day, every hour of our life, we must be ready to meet Him, so as to give an account of what we have done before the face of Christ’s truth. Moreover, it is important for us to learn to live in the presence of the Creator, to walk before God (Gen. 6:8–9), performing not only prayer but also all our ordinary daily tasks as though at that moment the Creator were looking upon us. Let us remember that there is no creature hidden from God, but all things are naked and open before His eyes (Heb. 4:13). The feeling and awareness of the Divine presence in our life is fostered by the recitation in the mind of short prayers – for example, verses from the Psalms, the “Jesus Prayer”, the “Prayer of the Publican”, invocations to the Most Holy Theotokos and to the saints. These simple lines, repeated during household or professional duties, on the road, at work, or during rest, will little by little become a firm foundation for the remembrance of God and a source of blessing upon our labors. Let us take as a rule – not to undertake any matter, even the simplest, without prayer. When beginning something, let us say inwardly: “Lord, bless”, and upon completing it, let us not forget to thank the Giver of all good things: “Glory to Thee, O God!”

Our whole life should become as it were an unceasing divine service, an embodiment of the apostolic words: “Be holy in all your conduct” (1 Pet. 1:3). Is this truly possible for us who live amidst the whirl of cares and unending bustle? The Lord Himself said: “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mk. 9:23), and granted us for this the greatest Mystery – the most holy Eucharist. At every Divine Liturgy we hear Christ’s call to unite ourselves with Him by receiving His most pure Body and partaking of His life-giving Blood (Mt. 26:26–28). Sadly, this call often remains unheard, and out of the multitude standing in church during the Liturgy, only a few approach the Chalice of Life. At times someone delays communion, awaiting some special feeling, but this is a serious error. One must not place one’s spiritual life in dependence on constantly changing emotions, but rather, in the work of salvation, one must show steadfastness of will. “The kingdom of heaven is taken by force, and the violent take it by force” (Mt. 11:12), the Savior instructs us. Holy Communion, received with faith and sincere repentance, is the most effective remedy against passions and vices and a reliable means of strengthening in faith, hope and love. It is important not only to prepare worthily for this Mystery, but also to preserve carefully the gifts received. “After Communion one needs correction, a testimony of love for God and neighbor, thanksgiving, a fervent striving toward a new, holy and undefiled life”, says St Tikhon of Zadonsk.

As we prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, we must as often as possible recall and reflect upon the fact that the Savior came into the world, torn and wounded by sin, so that by His birth, life, suffering, death on the Cross, and glorious Resurrection He might establish a new commandment – the commandment of love (Jn. 13:34). A believer is called to answer this commandment by deeds. Just as Christ showed us true mercy and boundless condescension toward our shortcomings, so must we be merciful and patient toward others. Each of us, by performing good deeds, is able at least in some small measure to change the surrounding reality for the better. According to the words of St Philaret of Moscow (Drozdov), “love is a living and active participation in the well-being of another.” It is to this active love that I wish to call all of you in the sacred days of the Fast – to be, according to the words of the Apostle Paul, brotherly in love, preferring one another in honor (Rom. 12:10).

May the Lord inspire all of us on the path of Christian life, so that our faith may continue to be strengthened, our hope never fail, and our love increase; so that, as we prepare for the feast of the radiant Nativity, we may proclaim to the world through deeds and words the great mystery of godliness, the Divine incarnation (1 Tim. 3:16), and bring people comfort and the blessed peace of Christ.