Christ is Risen!

By Vadim Fortuna, Moldova National Director

This is the greeting shared across Moldova for forty days following Easter Sunday – a joyful proclamation that transcends mere words. “Christ is Risen!” is exchanged in place of the usual “Hello” or “Good morning,” and the customary response, “Truly, He is Risen!” is not just a religious ritual for the devout.¹ It is a deeply ingrained tradition embraced by Moldovans from all walks of life – whether they are devoted Christians who attend church regularly, those who go only once or twice a year, or even those who attend primarily for special family occasions. But this exchange is more than a greeting; it’s a profound connection to the events that took place over 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem and beyond.

Culture, traditions, and family customs often carry a weight far stronger than faith itself. These rituals, rooted in community and shared experiences, create a sense of joy and fulfillment when practiced together – whether it’s painting eggs², preparing paçoca, or engaging in an egg hunt. These traditions bind us, offering a sense of continuity, a sense of place within our culture.

Yet, perhaps the most profound challenge we face is the exercise of faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Spiritual life does not merely depend on the enjoyment of culturally rooted customs or the joy of family traditions. At its core, it is grounded in the understanding that the resurrection is the essence of our faith and, by extension, our lives.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, summarizes this truth in his epistle: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

These verses, which serve as a powerful confession of faith, distill the essence of Christian life – not just for the Corinthians of the first century, but for believers of all times. Paul emphasizes that the foundation of our faith does not lie in specific practices, but in the recognition and confession of these essential events:

• Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, took on human flesh and died for the sins of humanity, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that offers forgiveness before God.
• Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day, marking His resurrection as the first fruit of eternal life.

Thus, this creed encapsulates the core of the Gospel, which presents Jesus as both buried and risen, demonstrating His humanity through death and His divinity through the power of the resurrection. In His death, we witness both His humanity and sinlessness, offering Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice, a “spotless Lamb.”

Paul immediately draws our attention to the resurrection – this is the pivotal event in our faith. Belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is fundamental. Without the conviction that Jesus rose from the dead, all other aspects of our faith are in vain. Without this belief, every good deed becomes nothing more than a noble gesture, and the good name of the one who performed it fades with time. As Paul boldly declares: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14)

Jesus Christ is the only one who can offer us spiritual life – beginning with the salvation of our souls. The redemption that flows from the cross gives us perspective, confidence, joy, and hope. For salvation does not end with Christ’s death; it continues with His resurrection! Jesus did not merely die – He rose again! It is His resurrection that provides us with joy and hope, the assurance that one day we too will rise. Through His resurrection, death no longer holds dominion over us, for it will be the gateway to eternity in God’s presence, as affirmed: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Until that day, living out our faith, grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, inspires, guides, and motivates us to pursue an elevated ethical life of service and sharing the gospel to those around us. Whether on a mission trip in the Amazon or simply in the daily act of raising our children, our faith drives us to make an impact. Culture, traditions, and family customs, while complementary and enriching, are secondary to the central place Christ occupies in our lives.

As we approach the celebration of Easter, amidst the turbulence of the world around us, let us remember the disciples who, after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus, were gripped with fear and despair, hiding in fear of the same fate. Yet something empowered them to rise with courage, ready to face every danger and risk. What was it? The resurrection of Jesus Christ. What joy!

“and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:5-6)

The joy of the resurrection that the disciples experienced is available to you through faith. This faith, hope, and joy of the resurrection can fill our hearts, and one day, “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52)

CHRIST IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN, INDEED! Truly, He is risen! 

___________

¹In Moldova, for forty days after Easter, the usual greetings of “Hello,” “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening” are replaced with the joyful proclamation, “Christ is Risen!” And the response, “Truly, He is Risen,” is equally customary. This tradition is so deeply rooted that it extends beyond in-person interactions; even during phone calls or formal discussions, conversations begin this way, reflecting the profound spiritual connection and cultural significance of the season.

¹In Moldova, it is a long-standing orthodox tradition to paint Easter eggs in red only, symbolizing the blood of Christ. This deep red color represents His sacrifice and resurrection, adding spiritual significance to the celebration. Alternatively, some eggs are painted with traditional patterns, further enhancing their cultural importance. On Easter morning, children wash their cheeks with a red egg, a custom believed to bring them good health and protection for the year ahead. During the Easter festive meal – whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner – family members engage in a playful yet meaningful tradition. They crack their red eggs, or those painted with traditional patterns, against one another’s, with one person saying, “Christ is Risen!” and the other responding, “Truly, He is Risen!”