Chrysostom’s Easter Message: Taking Hell Captive

(via Trevin Wax)

Let no one bewail his poverty,
for the universal Kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one weep for his iniquities,
for pardon has shown forth from the grave.

Let no one fear death,
for the Savior’s death has set us free.
He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.

By descending into Hell,
He made hell captive.
He embittered it when it tasted of his flesh.

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 met God face to face.
It took earth, and encountered heaven.
It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.

O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?

Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life reigns!
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.
Amen.