The Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate addresses the Christians of America
March 27, 2020
Dear Christians in the United States,
we are facing a wave of the coronavirus associated with an extremely intensive mass media campaign which pursues its goals. It is a certain testing of the population and a hidden preparation for total control.
Concerning the coronavirus outbreak, Wolfgang Wodarg, a German specialist in lung diseases and epidemiology, and the former chairman of the Council of Europe Health Committee, said that the current coronavirus-induced panic did not correspond to the real danger and was artificial. This is not a condition requiring a pandemic.
We as Christians know the meaning of our life. This earthly life is just a test. The essential thing is that at the hour of death we enter the glory of God and be not condemned. With the view of achieving this ultimate goal, millions of martyrs laid down their earthly lives to remain faithful to Christ. They are a great example to us. We often forget about them, and for this reason it is advisable from time to time to read the lives of these heroes of faith and martyrs. They are a living Gospel.
The Catholic Vatican headed by Bergoglio today preaches a false gospel which does not lead to heaven but to hell. This gospel is associated with God’s anathema according to Gal 1:8-9.
Lent is drawing to an end. The coronavirus campaign may be used for our spiritual good. Let us become aware of the reality of death which can come not only in connection with the coronavirus but also with a heart attack, thrombosis, car accident, or malignant tumor. Death definitely awaits both me and you. Death is unfortunate for those who renounce Christ, the only Savior. But the death of those who remain faithful to Him is happy because the eternal glory of heaven is in store for them.
Sin is a deadly virus which the mass media keep silent on. Jesus says: “Be ready, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Death will come as a thief.” How to be ready? At this time of Lent, we recommend the following:
1) Seven times a day (cf. Ps 119:164) we should stop (see http://vkpatriarhat.org/en/?p=4952) and unite to the Crucified Jesus by an act of faith. “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom 10:13) We make these stops when we get up and before bedtime, and apart from that also at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00.
2) Prayer in common is important for the strengthening of the Christian family. Many families put it in practice between 20:00 and 21:00 – the so-called holy hour (see http://vkpatriarhat.org/en/?p=11475).
It is very beneficial for a Christian to follow a program of short prayer stops and the holy hour. Then no one will be afraid of either the coronavirus or death at all.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
+ Elijah
Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate
+ Methodius OSBMr + Timothy OSBMr
Secretary Bishops
Download: The Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate addresses the Christians of America (27/3/2020)
