Stefan, head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, has called on believers to view Easter not as a short-lived celebration but as a guiding principle for everyday life.

In an interview with the Macedonian outlet Sloboden Pechat, the Archbishop emphasized that the message of Christ’s Resurrection goes beyond a date on the calendar, urging a profound transformation in how people understand human existence.

“The victory over death means it is no longer the ultimate boundary,” Stefan said. “A person is called to live as if the Kingdom of God is already present among us.”

He stressed that the joy of Easter should extend beyond праздничные дни (festive days) and be reflected daily through faith, hope, and love. According to him, the Resurrection is “not just a date, but a call to the daily transformation of life.”

Highlighting the traditional greeting “Christ is risen,” the Archbishop described it as more than a formality. Instead, he said, it represents a living expression of faith and serves as a constant reminder of spiritual renewal and enduring Easter joy.

Speaking about the role of the Church in modern society, Stefan underscored the central importance of liturgical life. He noted that participation in worship fosters a sense of community and reshapes how individuals relate to others, effectively turning everyday life into a continuation of spiritual experience.

The Archbishop also addressed the international standing of the Macedonian Orthodox Church following the Autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church in 2022. He noted that recognition has opened new opportunities for cooperation with other Orthodox Churches and greater participation in broader ecclesiastical life.

In addition, he pointed to the significant role of the diaspora, describing it as an integral part of the nation. The Church, he said, plays a vital role in preserving language, culture, and religious tradition abroad despite ongoing emigration.

Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Stefan emphasized that core Christian virtues—faith, patience, and love—are inseparable and should be embraced not as obligations but as a natural state of being.

“Easter reminds us that this way of life has already been given to everyone,” he said. “The choice is simply whether to live it.”