Rachel Evans
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central truth of the Christian faith. Many Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, use the Paschal greeting, also known as the Easter Acclamation, to celebrate Easter. The greeting is Christ is risen!, to which the response is Indeed He is Risen! or He is risen indeed!. This exchange is a proclamation of the belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and offers salvation to all. It is a reminder of the incredible living hope that Christians have because of Christ's resurrection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Easter greeting | "Christ is risen!" |
| Response | "He is risen indeed!" or "Indeed, He is risen!" |
| Alternative response | "The Lord is risen!" |
| Alternative greeting | "Happy Easter" |
| Alternative greeting in Greek | "Kalo Pascha" |
| Alternative greeting in Arabic | "Isa" |
| Alternative greeting in Church Slavonic | "Khristósŭ voskrése!" |
| Alternative response in Greek | "Alithos Anesti" |
| Alternative response in Arabic | "Aληθώς ανέστη!" |
| Alternative response in Church Slavonic | "Voístinu voskrése!" |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal greeting
The greeting is initiated with "Christ is risen!", to which the response is "Indeed He is Risen!" or "He is risen indeed!". This exchange is a PROCLAMATION of the central mystery and hope of the Christian faith, that Jesus Christ rose from the dead for the salvation of all. This proclamation is not limited to a simple desire for the other person to have a good time but is a courageous public witness of one's faith.
The phrase "Christ is risen" is likely a shortened version of Matthew 28:5-6, "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'". While there is no consensus on the source of the response "He is risen indeed", it is believed by some to originate from the Gospel of Luke 24:33-34.
In different languages and cultures, the greeting may vary. For example, in Greek, the greeting is "Christos anesti", and the response is "Alithos anesti", meaning "Truly, He is risen". In Russia and Serbia, it is customary to exchange a triple kiss of peace on alternating cheeks after the greeting. In the Latin Church, the traditional greeting on Easter morning and throughout the Easter Octave is: "Christus surréxit! - Surréxit vere, allelúja" ("Christ is risen!" - "He is risen indeed, Alleluia!").
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The mystery of faith
The response to this Easter proclamation is "He is risen indeed!" or "Indeed, He is risen!", affirming the miracle of Christ's resurrection. This exchange is known as the Paschal greeting, practised by various Christian denominations, including Catholics, during the Easter season.
The timing of Christ's resurrection is also part of the mystery of faith. The exact hour is unknown, adding to the surrender Catholics feel towards God, as it transcends human understanding. This mystery is at the heart of their faith, and they embrace it with love, allowing it to influence their daily lives and actions.
Through the proclamation "Christ is risen!", Catholics courageously witness their faith to others and share the hope found in Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the way, the truth, and the life. This greeting is more than just a wish for a happy Easter; it is a bold declaration of their belief in the risen Lord and a testament to their faith's central mystery and hope.
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The empty tomb
In Matthew's account, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" approach the tomb and encounter an angel who rolls away the stone. The angel tells them, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
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The stone is rolled away
"The stone is rolled away" is a powerful symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central truth of the Christian faith. This dramatic image represents the removal of the large stone that blocked the entrance to Jesus' tomb, revealing it to be empty. This emptiness is an essential sign, opening the way towards belief in the resurrection.
The idea of the stone being rolled away is deeply significant for Catholics. It symbolises the removal of obstacles that stand between us and the light of the risen Saviour. These obstacles can take the form of sinful habits, such as pride, selfishness, grudges, or laziness in prayer. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Catholics believe they can live more fully in Christ and embrace the gift of His holy resurrection.
During Easter celebrations, Catholics often greet each other with the proclamation, "Christ is risen!" This greeting is more than just a traditional wish for a happy Easter. It is a bold assertion of faith, proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation that it brings. The typical response to this greeting is, "He is risen indeed!" or "Indeed, He is risen!", emphasising the shared belief in the resurrection.
The Easter greeting serves as a reminder of the joyous news that Jesus' death was not in vain. It allows Catholics to share their faith and proclaim the incredible truth of Christ's victory over death. This proclamation is not limited to words but is meant to radiate through their actions, bearing witness to their faith in a secular world.
Through the symbol of the rolled-away stone and the traditional Easter greeting, Catholics affirm their belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They recognise that the resurrection is a mystery of faith, surrendering to God and embracing the hope of eternal life that the risen Christ offers.
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Christ's appearances
The Bible records several appearances of Jesus Christ after his resurrection. According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene outside the garden tomb (Mark 16:9). Mary had gone to the tomb with other women to anoint Jesus' body with spices, but found the tomb empty. Jesus told Mary to "go and tell his brethren" that they would see him in Galilee (Mark 16:9, Matthew 28:10).
Jesus also appeared to two disciples as they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-31). When they sat down to eat, the disciples recognised him by the way he blessed the food, but he "vanished out of their sight" (Luke 24:31).
Jesus also appeared to the eleven disciples and other followers (Luke 24:9-12). They were afraid, thinking they had seen a spirit, but Jesus told them to "behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me and see" (Luke 24:39). He ate with them, and they examined his resurrected body, which was tangible and not a spirit (Luke 24:42-43).
Paul's summary statement in 1 Corinthians 15 provides further information about these appearances. Jesus was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve disciples, then by more than five hundred brethren at once, then by James, and finally by all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:5-7).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics say "Christ is risen"! It is a common Easter greeting among Catholics. The response to this greeting is often, “He is risen indeed!” or "Indeed, He is risen!".
"Christ is risen" is a proclamation of the central mystery and hope of the Christian faith, that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and brought salvation to all. This greeting is a reminder of the incredible living hope Christians have because of Christ's resurrection.
Catholics say "Christ is risen" during the Easter season to greet fellow believers and proclaim their faith. This greeting is also used throughout the Easter Octave in the Latin Church.
