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| Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ's Resurrection Icon |
Let none fear death; for the death of the Saviour has set us free.
He has destroyed death by undergoing death.
He has despoiled hell by descending into hell.
He vexed it even as it tasted his flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he cried:
Hell was filled with bitterness when it met Thee face to
face below;
Filled with bitterness, for it was brought to nothing;
Filled with bitterness, for it was mocked;
Filled with bitterness, for it was overthrown;
Filled with bitterness, for it was put in chains.
Hell received a body, and encountered God.
It received earth, and confronted heaven.
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen! And you, o death, are annihilated!
Christ is risen! And the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is risen! And the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen! And life is liberated!
Christ is risen! And the tomb is emptied of its dead;
For Christ having risen from the dead,
Is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be the Glory and Power, now and forever, and from all
ages to all ages.
Amen!
-St. John of Chrysostom: Paschal Homily
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