Paschal Greeting - 2026

Dear beloved faithful people, friends, supporters, and donors of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology, Christ is Risen - Truly Christ is Risen!

“Christ is Risen, He shook the earth, took away sorrow, and brought joy.”(St. Bishop Nikolaj)

In the light of these divinely inspired words, gathered in the joy of the Feast of Feasts and the Celebration of Celebrations, we offer thanksgiving to the Risen Lord, who by His glorious Resurrection granted to the world the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, and of truth over every falsehood. The Feast of Christ’s Resurrection is not merely one among many days that illuminate the course of time, but the very foundation and center of the economy of salvation. In it is revealed the fullness of divine love for humanity and the ultimate purpose of each one of us. Therefore, gazing into the depths of our being, we are called to recognize in the Risen Christ the only true answer to all the doubts, fears, and sufferings of the modern human being.

The contemporary age, marked by inner unrest, spiritual distraction, and the loss of joy, testifies to a deep need to return to the sources of life—the Church of Christ. The absence of spiritual joy leads to alienation from the community, from others, and ultimately from oneself. A person deprived of grace-filled consolation easily becomes prey to fear, insecurity, and the fleeting “truths” of this world. Yet, the Holy Church continually reminds us that the Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith, the pledge of our hope, and the source of our love. The words of the holy Apostle Paul remain an eternal guide: “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17). But Christ has risen—and thereby all of history and every human life are transformed.

As a people of the Cross and Resurrection, we are called to understand our existence in the mystery of the Cross and the Resurrection: with Christ we suffer, but with Him we also rise. Suffering does not destroy us; rather, it transforms us and returns us to God, teaching us that everything is transient without Christ, and that in Him alone is the true and eternal foundation of our life. In this spirit, we are called to renew within ourselves joy, peace, and love, and as a community of the faithful to bear witness to the truth of the Resurrection in our daily lives.

With particular gratitude, we address you, dear friends and benefactors, who through your love and sacrifice support the mission and work of the Saint Sava School of Theology. As a spiritual and educational institution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, our School has the mission to educate and form future servants of the altar, preachers of the Gospel, and laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. The preservation and advancement of theological education in contemporary circumstances require the joint effort and responsibility of all of us as living members of the Body of Christ.

Therefore, in the spirit of evangelical love and ecclesial awareness, we invite you, in accordance with your means, to continue supporting the work of this theological institution, knowing that every offering made with faith and love becomes a blessing not only for the recipient, but also for the giver, as well as for the entire Church.

You may send your donations by mail to: 32377 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048, or electronically at: www.stsava.org

May the Risen Lord strengthen all of you, your families, and your homes, granting you peace, health, spiritual joy, and an abundance of every good gift. With love in the Risen Christ, we greet you once again with the joyful greeting: Christ is Risen – Truly He is Risen!

Protopresbyter Dr. Aleksandar Novakovic

Dean, Saint Sava School of Theology