[„If Christ be not risen, your faith is vain”] [- Is it true that only by attending the church, one can receive God in one’s soul?] - The baptized Christian is obliged, when reaching adulthood, to attend the Holy Church. Jesus Christ urges us to. Holy Fathers say that, if the Christian does not attend the church two-three weeks, he should be removed from the ones divine. We often say we pray at home, but we forget that the Savior teaches us: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We are ever seeking. We are too busy with earthly things. We try to manage everything, to please everybody, and we are less careful with our soul. We must not forget that our earthly life is blessed to be passed in good concord and to be thankful to God. That is to respect the godly laws and to gain eternal life. Unfortunately when we are healthy, we do not fulfill Christ’s commandments. And when some misfortune strikes us, when we are sick, we think of God. Then we ask the ones surrounding us to light a candle in the church, to pray for us. But God asks for our prayer every day. Either at home, or in the church. It is good that man, receiving the heavenly blessing, should remember there is God. Saying “God, help”, one should also thank God. [- However, only 10 per cent of Moldovan adults go to church once a week or more often…] - We all live in a tumultuous century. God gave us freedom. We are the ones choosing the way to go. Often we are mistaken, choosing the way to loss, the way driving us away from God. Full with earthly pleasures, we forget the spiritual things. That is why, we shall read the lives of holy fathers more often. It is good to read prayers, to train spiritually. Then we’ll find more time to pray, to be close to God. We always find reasons to justify ourselves: see, God, I slept too little, I did not eat in time, I cannot fast because I work too much, because I am sick. Especially parishioners from cities keep trying to justify themselves. We count too much on ourselves. On holidays I work instead of praying. Then we get cross with God because things do not turn as we wish, when some hail destroys our spring labors. If we do things with blessing, we’ll have time to pray and to attend the church. [- Why is it important to attend, especially, the services from the Passion Week?] - We all are Christ’s children. The Holy Fathers urge us to remain with Him and to re-experience the moment of crucifixion, and later, our soul clean, we should enjoy the Resurrection. We understand everyone has a job. Has to work in his office, workshop or to work the land. But, it is good to find a way to come and listen to the Gospel. At least on one day. Thanking God. You should stay in some corner of the church. Not in everyone’s sight. Pray, kiss the icon, cross yourselves and say: “God bless!” Do not forget to pray for the ones who vexed you, to ask forgiveness from the ones you offended. When man has spite in his soul, he is also cross with God. Then the devil rejoices. Everything is rendered to man through hardship and temptation. Try to pass over them with kindness. And may you enjoy Easter. [- The Church calls on Christians not to neglect the Easter holidays. What does that mean, in addition to the fact that one should be in the church?] - Easter is the Holiday of holidays and the triumph of Orthodoxy. The Savior, coming on earth, blessed everyone to serve God. Everyone readies for the Resurrection Holiday. Christians confess, get the Eucharist, listen to sermons and religious songs, train in reading holy books. This is how we tame our soul, this is how we get closer to God, step by step. We should not forget the ones sadder than us. The Metropolitan church urges the priests to visit hospitals, penitentiaries, to take Easter cakes and painted eggs there. When we are healthy, we forget to pray. When we fall sick or powerless, we say God has forgotten us. We are cross with God. But man was given life on earth to live it in communion with God. Let us give alms, let’s call the priest to care for the sick one, in order to become healthy, both in body and soul. This is how the Church teaches us. [- How should one give alms?] - As he or she can. The Holy Church teaches us not to give alms in everyone’s sight, in order to be received. If we make to be praised, then we receive thanks from man. If we do it not known by anyone, we get God’s gratitude. It is good to set examples for others, but it is better to urge them, not to pray yourself before them. [- Why do we say Christ has resurrected?] - At midnight the bells announce God’s resurrection. The priests conduct parishioners to go around the church three times, as the Resurrection Service begins. It is the greatest joy, the joy that the Savior has risen. If Christ be not risen, your faith is in vain, as well as the spiritual life. On the Resurrection Day, the Christians are glad that the hell has fallen, and the doors of the Paradise are open again. The Savior embraces us all on this day. We glorify Him and say “Christ has resurrected!” I hope Christians will be in the church on the resurrection to enjoy the event. Returning home with blessed Easter cake and red-painted eggs, they will share the gifts with the poor, with the sick, with the ones not having the occasion to come to the church. Thus we spread out the Orthodox Faith and bring joy to our neighbor. May God protect you all!