Emphasis Preaching Journal

An atheist in Russia once spoke for nearly two hours before a crowd, extolling the virtues of atheism. When he was finished, a young Orthodox priest asked if he might address the crowd. "Yes, but only for five minutes." The priest walked to the microphone and in a loud voice shouted the ancient Easter greeting, "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" The crowd responded, "The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!" The priest turned to the atheist and said, "Thank you. That is my speech. I need no more time."