Easter Message from bishop Jasmin Milić/2025 

Easter Message from bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church of Croatia & Serbia

Easter Message from bishop Jasmin Milić 

Holy Week, which precedes Easter, begins with the commemoration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Shortly thereafter, He faced rejection, betrayal, spiritual anguish, trial, torture, and ultimately, a most harrowing death. All of this befell Love incarnate, the Righteous One, who “took upon him the form of a servant” and “humbled himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7–8).

Had the Cross marked the end of Christ’s story, it would have been the most tragic narrative in human history. His condemnation would have represented the gravest injustice. Perhaps His memory would have endured among those He aided, His disciples, and the generations to whom they passed on their recollections. Yet, in time, even that memory might have faded.

However, those who betrayed, condemned, tortured, and killed Him were unaware that none of these events could have occurred apart from the will of the Father— a will that Christ accepted willingly and obediently. He willingly bore the penalty for our sins (Isaiah 53:5). There is no greater demonstration of love and sacrifice than the fact that God—whom humanity rejected—did not reject us in return. Instead, He loved us so deeply that “He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

However, the grave could not contain the One through whom all things were created—the One who is Life itself, without whom life cannot exist. Death does not have the final word over life. On Sunday, at daybreak, Christ rose from the dead, conquering death and the grave.

Thus, Christ’s death is not the most tragic event in human history but rather the supreme act of divine love. His resurrection stands as the most glorious victory over darkness, evil, suffering, injustice, and death.

The time we live in reminds us of Holy Week. Darkness has descended upon humanity. Every day we hear about wars, suffering, and death. Perhaps we ourselves are going through pain, sorrow, betrayal, and hardship.
As Martin Luther King has beautifully expressed, “Christianity clearly affirms that in the long struggle between good and evil, good will ultimately triumph… Good Friday must give way to the victorious glory of Easter!”

With this faith and steadfast hope in the risen Christ, I extend to you my heartfelt wishes for a joyful and God-blessed Easter.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Easter, April 2025

+Dr. Jasmin Milić, PhD
Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church of Croatia & Serbia