A Homily for the Feast of the Resurrection

by Saint John Chrysostom (347–407)

Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople (398–404)

Christ is Risen!

If there is anyone who is a devout lover of God,
let him enjoy the splendor of this beautiful festival!
If there is anyone who is a grateful servant,
let him rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

If there is anyone who is weary with fasting,
let him now receive his wages!
If anyone has toiled from the first hour,
let him receive his due reward;
If anyone has come after the third hour,
let him with gratitude join in the Feast!
And he that arrived after the sixth hour,
let him not doubt, for he too shall suffer no loss.
And if anyone has delayed until the ninth hour,
let him not hesitate, but let him come too.
And if anyone has arrived only at the eleventh hour,
let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.

For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,
as well as to him that toiled from the first.
To the one He gives, and upon the other He bestows gifts.
He accepts the work and welcomes the intention.
He honors the deed and praises the effort.

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
First and last alike receive your reward!
Rich and poor, rejoice together!
Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!
You that have kept the fast, and you that have not,
rejoice today for the table is richly laden!
The calf is fatted, feast royally upon it,
Let no one go away hungry.

Let everyone partake of the banquet of faith.
Let everyone enjoy the bounty of His goodness!

Let no one grieve at his poverty,
for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has sinned again and again;
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed death by enduring it.

He destroyed hell when He descended into it.
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he said,
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee,

to meet thee at thy coming.” [14:9]

Hell was embittered, because it was abolished.
It was embittered, because it was mocked.
It was embittered, because it was destroyed.
It was embittered, because it was annihilated.
It was embittered, because it was taken captive.

Hell seized a corpse and discovered God.
It took hold of earth and encountered Heaven.
It captured the visible and was overcome by the invisible.

O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?

Christ is Risen, and death is annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the demons are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is set free!
Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead!

Christ being risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits of those who slept.

To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

Amen!