Letter 64: Festal greeting.

Theodoret of CyrrhusUnknown|c. 440 AD|Theodoret of Cyrrhus|Human translated
grief death

Festal greeting.

When the Master endured the saving Passion for the sake of humanity, the company of the holy apostles was deeply shaken -- for they did not yet clearly understand what fruit the Passion would bear. But when they learned of the salvation that grew from it, they called the proclamation of the Passion "good news" and eagerly offered it to all humanity. Those who believed, their minds now enlightened, received it with joy. They keep the feast in memory of the Passion and transform the moment of death into an occasion for celebration and festivity -- for the resurrection, bound so closely to the Passion, dissolves the sadness of death and becomes a pledge of the resurrection of all.

Having just now taken part in this celebration, we send you these tidings of the feast like some fragrant perfume, and greet your piety.

Human translationNew Advent (NPNF / ANF series)

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