The head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric has issued a Paschal message emphasizing Easter as a universal message of hope and responsibility for believers worldwide.

In his address, Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid stressed that the Resurrection of Christ represents not only a source of joy for Christians, but also a calling to share hope with all humanity. “The victory of life over death is granted not only to us, but to the entire world,” he said, urging the faithful to bear witness to this message through their daily lives.

According to the archbishop, the true meaning of Easter lies not merely in words, but in actions—supporting others, preserving faith, and maintaining hope even in difficult times. He noted that throughout history, the Resurrection has been experienced as a real and transformative force.

This year’s message also draws a direct connection between Easter and the historical roots of Slavic Christianity. The archbishop highlighted a significant anniversary linked to the early development of Slavic liturgical tradition, recalling the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century.

In 863, at the invitation of the ruler of Great Moravia, the two missionaries created the first Slavic alphabet and translated liturgical texts into a language accessible to the people—laying the foundation for Slavic literary culture. After the death of Methodius, their disciples were expelled from Moravia and later found refuge in the First Bulgarian Empire.

Among them were Clement of Ohrid and Naum of Ohrid, who continued their work in the region around Ohrid. There, they played a key role in establishing local church and literary traditions. Clement of Ohrid is today venerated as a patron saint of the Macedonian Church, with 2026 marking the 1,110th anniversary of his death.

The message concludes by reaffirming Easter as a shared hope that transcends borders, calling on believers to live in a way that reflects the enduring power of the Resurrection.