To the beloved clergy, religious, and faithful of the Russian True Orthodox Church Archdiocese of North America–mercy, peace and love be yours in ever-greater measure.

            In the canon of Matins for the feast of the Nativity, we sing, “Although created in the image of God, mankind fell from the divine and higher life…but now the all-good Creator fashions him anew.”
            This hymn reminds us just how truly awe-inspiring this feast is that we celebrate today.  It is not just a day of earthly joy or good will or presents, but a day on which each and every one of us has received the gift of a new life.  We are reminded of the original state of man and are given the means by which we can return to it—through following this newborn Christ.  We are reminded today that even if our paths in life have not steered us toward this higher life we still have the opportunity to change them.
            In the course of our daily lives we do not always get a second chance to alter our course and erase the mistakes that we have made.  The birth of our Savior, however, gives us the opportunity to do so in our spiritual lives.
            This is the great gift that is given to us today.  Unlike the other presents we may receive on this day, however, it does not come from a store and it is not wrapped in fancy paper with ribbons or bows and placed under a tree.  Instead, this gift of new life comes to us from on high through the Virgin Mary, wrapped only in swaddling clothes and lying in the cave.  It may not be the most fancy gift we have ever received but it certainly is the greatest gift we will ever receive.
            As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the incredible benevolence of God today, let us reaffirm our commitment to truly live as people who have been fashioned anew by the birth of Christ.
            With the bestowal of my Archiepiscopal blessing upon you, God’s people, I remain
 Sincerely in Christ,

+ALEXY
Archbishop of Minneapolis and Chicago