8 Spiritual Exercises During the Joyous Fifty Days

  “ Ⲡⲓⲭ̀ⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ  ⲁϥⲧⲱⲛϥ…Ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲙⲉⲑⲙⲏⲓ Ⲁϥⲧⲱⲛϥ .” Christ is risen—truly He is risen. This proclamation fills the Church with unceasing joy during the holy Fifty Days. Yet this joy is not only celebrated—it is lived. Through the guidance of our priests, we are given spiritual practices that help us remain steadfast in the joy of the Resurrection and keep its light burning in our daily lives.  

1. Guard Your Joy

You are saved and redeemed—this is the greatest news the soul can receive. Do not allow daily stress or troubling events to overshadow the joy of your salvation. Hold fast to the unshakable joy given to you by Christ.

Always remind yourself:“Ⲡⲓⲭ̀ⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ ⲁϥⲧⲱⲛϥ… ⲁ̀ⲗⲏⲑⲱⲥ ⲁϥⲧⲱⲛϥ”(Christ is risen… truly He is risen).

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” (John 16:22)

2. Live in Peace with All

You are celebrating new and eternal life in Christ—how can we rejoice in this life while harboring division or resentment? Let love be the evidence of your resurrection with Him. Reconcile quickly, forgive freely, and let no hatred dwell in your heart.

As we pray in the liturgy:“Ⲁⲅⲁⲡⲏ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ/” (Love one another).

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren…” (1 John 3:14–15)

3. Rise Early to Meet the Risen Lord

As the myrrh-bearing women rose early to go to the tomb, rise also in the quiet of the morning to seek Christ in prayer. Begin your day not with the noise of the world, but with the presence of the Risen One.

Say in your heart:“ Ⲡⲓⲭ̀ⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ   ⲁϥⲧⲱⲛϥ” (The Chris is risen).

4. Cultivate a Heart of Thanksgiving

Let thanksgiving become your constant language. In every circumstance, whisper: “Thank You, my Lord.”

As the Church continually proclaims:“Ⲉⲩⲭⲁⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲩⲙⲉⲛ” (Let us give thanks).

Gratitude transforms the soul and keeps it rooted in joy.

5. Practice Moderation with Joy

This is a season of rejoicing, even in what we eat. Yet let your joy be guided by self-control. Avoid excess, for overindulgence dulls both the body and the spirit. Rejoice in God’s gifts with balance and mindfulness.

Remember: true joy is spiritual, not merely physical.

6. Become a Source of Joy to Others

Carry the light of the Resurrection into the lives of those around you. A kind word, a phone call, a generous act—these simple offerings reflect the joy of Christ and multiply it in others.

Be a living witness to:“Ⲡⲓⲛⲓϣϯ ⲛ̀ⲁⲅⲁⲗⲗⲓⲁⲥⲓⲥ” (The Great Joy).

7. Draw Near Through the Divine Liturgy

Participate more deeply in the holy liturgies and partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. What greater way to celebrate His Resurrection than to be united with Him in Holy Communion?

Approach with reverence, saying:“Ⲁⲙⲏⲛ ⲁⲙⲏⲛ ⲁⲙⲏⲛ… ⲡⲓⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ Ⲡⲓⲭ̀ⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ”(Amen, Amen, Amen… This is the Body of the Lord).

8. Abide in the Word and the Psalms

Let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Fill your days with psalms, Scripture, and prayer. What was cultivated in the fasting of Lent is now nourished through joyful communion with His Word.

Let your heart continually echo:“Ⲁ̀ⲗⲗⲏⲗⲟⲩⲓⲁ” (Alleluia).

This post is a summary of one of Fr. Daoud Lamey's Feast of the Resurrection sermons.