Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful
bright Festival. And whosoever is a grateful servant, let him
rejoice and enter into the joy of his Lord. And if any be weary
with fasting, let him now receive his penny.
If any have toiled from the first hour, let him receive his due
reward. If any have come after the third hour, let him with
gratitude join the Feast. And he that arrived after the sixth hour,
let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. And if any
have delayed to the ninth 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.
Yea, to this one he gives, and upon that one he bestows. He accepts
works, as He greets the endeavor. The deed he honors and the
intention he commands.
Let all then enter into the joy of our Lord. You first and last
receiving alike your reward; you rich and poor, rejoice together.
You sober and you slothful, celebrate the day. You that have kept
the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today; for the Table is
richly laden. Fare royally on it. The calf is a fatted one. Let
no one go away hungry. Partake you all of the cup of faith. Enjoy
you all the riches of His goodness. Let no one grieve at his
poverty; for the universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has fallen 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 it by enduring it.
He spoiled Hades when he descended thereto. He vexed it even as it
tasted of His flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he cried, “Thou, O
Hades, has been vexed by encountering Him below.”
It is vexed; for it is even done away with. It is vexed; for it is
made a mockery. It is vexed; for it is destroyed. It is vexed; for
it is annihilated. It is vexed; for it is now made captive. It
took a body, and it discovered God. It took earth, and encountered
Heaven. It took what it saw and was overcome by what it did not
see.
“O death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory?”
Christ is risen, and thou art 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 the dead; for Christ having risen from the dead,
is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him
be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
