If any man be devout and loveth God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him enter rejoicing into the joy of his Lord. If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his reward. If any have labored from the first hour, let him receive today his rightful due. If any have come at the third hour, let him feast with thankfulness. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him in no wise be in doubt, for in no wise shall he deprived therefor. If any be delayed even until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him not be fearful on account of his lateness; for the Lord, Who is jealous of His honor, receiveth the last even as the first. He giveth rest to him that cometh at the eleventh hour, even as to him that hath labored from the first hour; and to the last He is merciful, and the first He pleaseth; to the one He giveth, and to the other He bestoweth gifts; and He receiveth the works, and welcometh the intention; and the deed He honoureth, and the offering He praiseth. Wherefore, then, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord; both the first and likewise the second, receive ye your reward. Ye rich and ye poor together, exult and hold festival.
Ye sober and ye heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, ye that have kept the fast and ye that have not. The table is full‑laden, feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let none go forth hungry. Let all enjoy the feast of faith, receive all ye the riches of goodness. Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom hath been revealed. Let no one weep for his transgressions, for forgiveness hath dawned from the tomb. Let no one fear death, for the death of the Saviour hath set us free. He that was captured by it, hath annihilated it. He Who descended into hades hath made hades captive. He embittered it, when it tasted of His flesh. And foretelling this, Isaiah cried: "Hades," he saith, "was embittered when it encountered Thee below." It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown. It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains. It took a body and encountered God. It took earth, and met heaven. It took that which it saw, and fell to what it did not see. O death, where is thy sting? O hades, where is thy victory?
Christ is risen, and thou art cast down.
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen.
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen, and life flourisheth.
Christ is risen, and there is not one dead in the tombs.
For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first‑fruits of them that have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto the ages of ages. Amen.
