In his New Year’s message for 2025, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea stressed the importance of starting the year with a clear spiritual goal. Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophers like Euripides and Aristotle, he encouraged believers to begin the year well, as a good start leads to a good finish.
He urged Christians to prioritize strengthening their love for Jesus Christ in 2025, referring to Christ as the ultimate source of guidance, comfort, and joy. Metropolitan Ambrosios highlighted how Christ’s presence can transform and uplift individuals, citing biblical verses and insights from saints to underscore the significance of Christ in daily life.
By referencing modern saints like St. Porphyrios, he reminded the faithful of Christ’s unconditional love, compassion, and role as a constant companion. St. Porphyrios’s counsel to “Love Christ and prefer nothing to His love” served as a reminder to place Christ above all other pursuits.
Metropolitan Ambrosios concluded by encouraging everyone to wholeheartedly love Christ and make Him the focal point of their lives. He prayed that by embracing this Christ-centered approach, individuals would experience God’s blessings, become beacons of light to the world, and extend love to their neighbors as themselves.
He extended his blessings and wishes for a year filled with health, longevity, and the grace of the Lord for all.
Read the full message below:
My dearest Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Renowned ancient poet Euripides once said, “A bad beginning brings also a bad end.” Similarly, philosopher Aristotle taught that “Well begun is half done.” Therefore, to ensure a fruitful conclusion to the New Year 2025, we must commence with a strong and focused goal, striving diligently to nurture it through spiritual dedication.
There is no greater objective for the New Year than to deepen our love for Jesus Christ, our Father, Brother, Light, and eternal Joy, for truly, “Christ is everything!”
When we embrace Christ with love and unity, we shield ourselves from darkness and despair, finding solace and strength in His presence. The promises and teachings of Christ in the Holy Scriptures affirm that He is the Light, the Resurrection, and the source of eternal Hope.
Throughout history, the saints exemplified profound love for Christ, recognizing Him as the cornerstone of their existence. St. Porphyrios, a contemporary saint, emphasized the necessity of centering our lives on Christ’s love and companionship, above all else.
Let us all strive to make Christ the core of our being in the New Year, loving Him with every fiber of our being. By doing so, we will attract divine blessings, radiate light to the world, and embody the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
May the New Year 2025 be filled with blessings for you and your loved ones, with good health and longevity.
+ Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan