Christ is Risen ! Truly he is Risen !
Another year to celebrate Resurrection day, I great all my readers with the Holy and Glorious day of The Resurrection of Christ !
Happy Resurrection day, Happy Easter to All faithful Christians and all Technology Freaks out there who look for the Universal truth and meaning of life !
Happy Resurrection to those who are searching it and those who find it, as I tend to find more and more that more technological literate people came to become Christian and find the Light and truthfulness of Holy Orthodox Christian Faith !
In Orthodox Christianity, the Second Resurrection Service often called Agape Vespers is a deeply symbolic and joyful service celebrated on the afternoon or evening of Pascha, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, an event that changed history forever and made the Time to be counted on Age before Christ and Age after him Anno Domini ( A.D. ) Christ's victory over death and importance of the Resurrection has become a turning stone for whole world and has one time forever changed the history to Bring the Light of Heaven on earth again after the fall of man in Eden's garden.
In Orthodox Christian tradition the feast of Resurrection is being celebrated Staring from the Day of Pascha (The Resurrection of Christ) towards his Ascension on the Day of Ascension on the 40th Day. Many might not today, that the first 7 days Week of Pascha is actually a whole period of celebration like a day who marks The Resurrection and the whole week in Orthodox tradition is considered as one single day. The first 3 days when the Lord Jesus Christ raised to the death after being in Hell with his soul to Save and Save all the waiting souls of prophets and old testamental times of old righteous people and those who repented (on Holy Saturday) the Next day after Crucifix (on Holy Friday) are the Most glorious and important days of the whole 40 days period of the Resurrection till time the Lord Ascended to Heaven with his Glorious Resurrectied Body.
The Paschal Church service of the Resurrection of Christ which is celebrated with serving Saint Basyl's Holy Liturgy in Orthodox Christian tradition always starts exactly at Midnight. In many traditions nowdays like also in Bulgarian tradition, the Holy Fire is brought by Plane to the Synodal Palace of the Church from hence it is distributed across local Pariches Churches to bring the Light of the Miracle of Jerusalem of Holy Fire that happen once and only for Eastern Orthodox Christians, when a Light of Heaven comes to light up the Candle of Jerusalem's Eastern Orthodox Christian patriarch as a eternal confirmation of the Truthfulness of the Resurrection of Christ (a God's sign for Unbelievers to think and study the Orthtoxy). The miracle of Holy Fire happened even this year in Jerusalem in the Holy Sepulcher Church (built on top of the Place of Resurrection of Christ). Thanks God even though humanity sinfulness (and the escalating wars) which by Miracle and God's grace and great Mercy has been temporary suspended for the World to mark the Feast of the Feast of The Resurrection. It is a clear miracle that this temporary peace in Ukraine and Russia as well as Israel and Iran happened exactly on the days of the Eastern Orthodox Christian resurrection, which is this year as most years one week later than the Roman Catholic pascha (as we at the Orthodox Church still do venerate righteously the rule of The first Church Council of Nicea.).
The reason to follow Easter differently for Eastern Orthodox Chrsitians from Western Roman Catholic Christians is often misunderstood and puts great confusion to explain especially to modern people from East and West faith that work together in corporations, thus I'll put a short explanation on why we Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha often differently than Roman Catholics?:
There are 3 main reasons that sted from the Ecumenical council of Nicea:
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Separation from Jewish Timing: The Council mandated that Christians should no longer rely on Jewish calculations for the 14th of Nisan. The Emperor Constantine, in a letter following the council, argued that it was "unworthy" for Christians to follow the custom of those who had rejected Christ.
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Solar-Lunar Formula: To remain independent, the Council adopted the "Alexandrian method": Pascha must fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.
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Biblical Sequence: While the council's surviving canons do not explicitly state "after Passover," the Orthodox Church maintains that the Nicene intent was to preserve the Biblical sequence of events. Since the Resurrection happened after the Jewish Passover in the Gospels, the Orthodox calculation ensures Pascha never precedes or coincides with the start of the Jewish festival.
On the next day after we celebrate the Feast of Resurrection (Velikden as called in Eastern tradition) is Bright Monday. The day is very special as the Night Vigil and Morning Service with Holy Liturgy ends up very late around 3, 3-30 A.M. And the service is created by Holy Fathers of the Church inspired by God as a way to experience for second time (on the same day)the Joy of the Resurrection, so the spiritual joy be even more multiplied and well undestood b the Church members.
The Bright Monday or Easter Monday in Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition is marked by what is often called the “Second Resurrection”service.
The service is a continuation of the joy of Pascha, emphasizing the universal proclamation of Christ’s victory over death.
At the heart of this celebration is the Gospel reading from John 20:19–26, which recounts Christ’s first appearances to His disciples after the Resurrection. What is unique for the service is this is the only day in year when the One and Holy Universal Eastern Orthodox Church shows its universality and union and acceptance of all languages as a mean to proclaim the Good new of Salvation way the Holy Gospel introduced for everyone who believed in the name of the Jesus Christ as a Son of God and Savior of the World by Having introduced the reading of a Gospel reading in different nation languages !
Here is a selection of the Text reading as translated in different languages, might be helpful if you belong to one of those Churches abroad, to read the text on "Second Resurrection", bright monday Service:
English (King James Version)
John 20:19–26
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Bulgarian (Synodal translation)
Йоан 20:19–26
Вечерта в същия ден, първия на седмицата, когато вратите, дето бяха събрани учениците, бяха заключени от страх от юдеите, дойде Иисус, застана посред и им каза: Мир вам!
И като рече това, показа им ръцете и ребрата Си. Учениците се зарадваха, като видяха Господа.
Иисус пак им рече: Мир вам! Както Ме прати Отец, така и Аз ви пращам.
Като каза това, духна и им рече: Приемете Духа Светаго.
На които простите греховете, ще им се простят; на които задържите, ще се задържат.
А Тома, един от дванайсетте, наречен Близнак, не беше с тях, когато дойде Иисус.
Другите ученици му казваха: Видяхме Господа. А той им рече: Ако не видя на ръцете Му белега от гвоздеите и не туря пръста си в раните от гвоздеите и не туря ръката си в ребрата Му, няма да повярвам.
След осем дни учениците Му пак бяха вътре и Тома с тях. Дойде Иисус, когато вратите бяха заключени, застана посред и рече: Мир вам!
Russian (Synodal)
От Иоанна 20:19–26
В тот же первый день недели вечером, когда двери дома, где собирались ученики Его, были заперты из опасения от Иудеев, пришел Иисус, и стал посреди, и говорит им: мир вам!
Сказав это, Он показал им руки и ребра Свои. Ученики обрадовались, увидев Господа.
Иисус же сказал им вторично: мир вам! как послал Меня Отец, так и Я посылаю вас.
Сказав это, дунул, и говорит им: примите Духа Святаго.
Кому простите грехи, тому простятся; на ком оставите, на том останутся.
Фома же, один из двенадцати, называемый Близнец, не был тут с ними, когда приходил Иисус.
Другие ученики сказали ему: мы видели Господа. Но он сказал им: если не увижу на руках Его ран от гвоздей и не вложу перста моего в раны от гвоздей и не вложу руки моей в ребра Его, не поверю.
После восьми дней опять были в доме ученики Его, и Фома с ними. Пришел Иисус, когда двери были заперты, стал посреди их и сказал: мир вам!
Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἁγίου Εὐαγγελίου τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα.
Greek (Κοινή / Patriarchal Text – Orthodox usage)
Οὔσης οὖν ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν.
καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον.
εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς πάλιν ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν· καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ Πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς.
καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον·
ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς· ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.
Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ’ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί· Ἑωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω.
καὶ μεθ’ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ’ αὐτῶν. ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν.
Serbian (Епископски / Orthodox usage)
Јован 20:19–26
А у вече тог првог дана седмице, кад су врата где беху ученици сабрани била затворена од страха од Јудејаца, дође Исус и стаде међу њих и рече им: Мир вам!
И ово рекавши, показа им руке и ребра Своја. Тада се обрадоваше ученици видевши Господа.
Тада им Исус опет рече: Мир вам! Као што је Отац послао Мене, и Ја шаљем вас.
И ово рекавши, дуну и рече им: Примите Духа Светога.
Којима опростите грехе, опраштају им се; којима задржите, задржани су.
А Тома, један од дванаесторице, звани Близанац, не беше с њима кад дође Исус.
Тада му други ученици говораху: Видели смо Господа. А он им рече: Ако не видим на рукама Његовим ране од клинова и не ставим прст свој у ране од клинова и не ставим руку своју у ребра Његова, нећу веровати.
И после осам дана опет беху унутра ученици Његови и Тома с њима. Дође Исус кад врата беху затворена, стаде међу њих и рече: Мир вам!
Romanian (Biblia sinodală – Orthodox)
Ioan 20:19–26
Și fiind seară, în ziua aceea, cea dintâi a săptămânii, și ușile fiind încuiate unde erau ucenicii adunați de frica iudeilor, a venit Iisus și a stat în mijloc și le-a zis: Pace vouă!
Și zicând aceasta, le-a arătat mâinile și coasta Sa. Deci s-au bucurat ucenicii, văzând pe Domnul.
Și le-a zis iarăși Iisus: Pace vouă! Precum M-a trimis pe Mine Tatăl, vă trimit și Eu pe voi.
Și zicând aceasta, a suflat asupra lor și le-a zis: Luați Duh Sfânt.
Cărora veți ierta păcatele, le vor fi iertate; și cărora le veți ține, vor fi ținute.
Iar Toma, unul din cei doisprezece, numit Geamănul, nu era cu ei când a venit Iisus.
Deci ceilalți ucenici îi ziceau: Am văzut pe Domnul. Dar el le-a zis: Dacă nu voi vedea în mâinile Lui semnul cuielor și nu voi pune degetul meu în semnul cuielor și nu voi pune mâna mea în coasta Lui, nu voi crede.
Și după opt zile, ucenicii Lui erau iarăși înăuntru, și Toma împreună cu ei. A venit Iisus, ușile fiind încuiate, și a stat în mijloc și a zis: Pace vouă!
German (Luther tradition / Orthodox-used standard translation style)
Johannes 20,19–26
Und am Abend desselben ersten Tages der Woche, als die Türen verschlossen waren, wo die Jünger versammelt waren aus Furcht vor den Juden, kam Jesus und trat mitten unter sie und spricht zu ihnen: Friede sei mit euch!
Und als er das gesagt hatte, zeigte er ihnen die Hände und seine Seite. Da wurden die Jünger froh, dass sie den Herrn sahen.
Da sprach Jesus abermals zu ihnen: Friede sei mit euch! Gleichwie mich der Vater gesandt hat, so sende ich euch.
Und als er das gesagt hatte, hauchte er sie an und spricht zu ihnen: Empfangt den Heiligen Geist!
Welchen ihr die Sünden erlasst, denen sind sie erlassen; und welchen ihr sie behaltet, denen sind sie behalten.
Thomas aber, einer der Zwölf, der Zwilling genannt wird, war nicht bei ihnen, als Jesus kam.
Da sagten ihm die anderen Jünger: Wir haben den Herrn gesehen. Er aber sprach zu ihnen: Wenn ich nicht in seinen Händen die Nägelmale sehe und meinen Finger in die Nägelmale lege und meine Hand in seine Seite lege, so will ich nicht glauben.
Und nach acht Tagen waren seine Jünger abermals drinnen, und Thomas war bei ihnen. Kommt Jesus, als die Türen verschlossen waren, und tritt mitten unter sie und spricht: Friede sei mit euch!
Arabic (بطريركي / Orthodox liturgical usage)
إنجيل يوحنا 20:19–2
ولما كانت عشية ذلك اليوم، وهو أول الأسبوع، وكانت الأبواب مغلقة حيث كان التلاميذ مجتمعين خوفًا من اليهود، جاء يسوع ووقف في الوسط وقال لهم: سلام لكم.
ولما قال هذا أراهم يديه وجنبه، ففرح التلاميذ إذ رأوا الرب.
فقال لهم يسوع ثانية: سلام لكم. كما أرسلني الآب أرسلكم أنا أيضًا.
ولما قال هذا نفخ فيهم وقال لهم: اقبلوا الروح القدس.
من غفرتم خطاياه تُغفر له، ومن أمسكتم خطاياه أُمسكت.
أما توما، أحد الاثني عشر، الذي يُدعى التوأم، فلم يكن معهم حين جاء يسوع.
فقال له التلاميذ الآخرون: قد رأينا الرب. فقال لهم: إن لم أبصر في يديه أثر المسامير وأضع إصبعي في أثر المسامير وأضع يدي في جنبه لا أؤمن.
وبعد ثمانية أيام كان تلاميذه أيضًا داخلًا، وكان توما معهم. جاء يسوع والأبواب مغلقة، ووقف في الوسط وقال: سلام لكم!
Georgian (საქართველოს მართლმადიდებელი ეკლესია)
იოანე 20:19–26
და იყო მწუხრი იმ დღესა, კვირის პირველ დღეს, და კარნი დახშულნი იყვნენ, სადაც მოწაფენი იყვნენ შეკრებილნი იუდეველთა შიშისგან, მოვიდა იესო და დადგა მათ შორის და ჰრქუა მათ: მშვიდობა თქუენდა.
და ეს რომ თქვა, უჩვენა მათ ხელნი და გვერდი თვისი. და გაიხარეს მოწაფეებმა, იხილეს რა უფალი.
მაშინ კვლავ უთხრა მათ იესომ: მშვიდობა თქუენდა; როგორც მამამ მომავლინა მე, მეც თქვენ მოგავლინებთ.
და ეს რომ თქვა, შეუბერა მათ და უთხრა: მიიღეთ სული წმინდა.
ვისაც მიუტევებთ ცოდვებს, მიეტევებათ მათ; და ვისაც დაუკავებთ, დაუკავდებათ.
ხოლო თომა, ერთი თორმეტთაგანი, რომელსაც ეწოდებოდა ტყუპი, არ იყო მათთან, როცა მოვიდა იესო.
უთხრეს მას სხვა მოწაფეებმა: ვიხილეთ უფალი. ხოლო მან უთხრა მათ: თუ არ ვიხილავ მის ხელებზე ფრჩხილების ნიშანს და არ შევიტან ჩემს თითს ფრჩხილების ნიშანში და არ შევიტან ჩემს ხელს მის გვერდში, არ ვირწმუნებ.
და რვა დღის შემდეგ კვლავ იყვნენ შინ მისი მოწაფენი და თომაც მათთან. მოვიდა იესო, კარნი დახშულნი იყვნენ, დადგა მათ შორის და უთხრა: მშვიდობა თქუენდა.
Albanian (Orthodox Albanian Bible usage)
Gjoni 20:19–26
Dhe kur u bë mbrëmje në atë ditë, ditën e parë të javës, dhe dyert ishin të mbyllura ku ishin mbledhur dishepujt nga frika e judenjve, erdhi Jezusi dhe qëndroi në mes dhe u tha atyre: Paqe juve!
Dhe pasi tha këtë, u tregoi duart dhe brinjën e Tij. Atëherë dishepujt u gëzuan kur panë Zotin.
Dhe Jezusi u tha përsëri: Paqe juve! Sikurse më dërgoi Ati, ashtu ju dërgoj edhe unë juve.
Dhe pasi tha këtë, fryu mbi ta dhe u tha: Merrni Frymën e Shenjtë.
Kujt t’ia falni mëkatet, do t’u falen; kujt t’ia mbani, do t’u mbeten.
Por Thomai, një nga të dymbëdhjetët, i quajtur Binjaku, nuk ishte me ta kur erdhi Jezusi.
Dishepujt e tjerë i thoshin: E pamë Zotin. Por ai u tha: Nëse nuk shoh në duart e Tij shenjat e gozhdëve dhe nuk vë gishtin tim në shenjat e gozhdëve dhe nuk vë dorën time në brinjën e Tij, nuk do të besoj.
Dhe pas tetë ditësh, dishepujt e Tij ishin përsëri brenda dhe Thomai me ta. Erdhi Jezusi, kur dyert ishin të mbyllura, dhe qëndroi në mes dhe tha: Paqe juve!
Czech (Český ekumenický / Orthodox-used translation style)
Jan 20,19–26
Když byl večer onoho dne, prvního dne v týdnu, a dveře, kde byli učedníci shromážděni ze strachu před Židy, byly zavřeny, přišel Ježíš, postavil se doprostřed a řekl jim: Pokoj vám!
A když to řekl, ukázal jim ruce a svůj bok. Učedníci se zaradovali, když viděli Pána.
Ježíš jim znovu řekl: Pokoj vám! Jako Otec poslal mne, tak já posílám vás.
A když to řekl, dechl na ně a řekl jim: Přijměte Ducha Svatého.
Komu odpustíte hříchy, budou mu odpuštěny; komu je zadržíte, budou zadrženy.
Tomáš, jeden z dvanácti, zvaný Didymos, nebyl s nimi, když přišel Ježíš.
Ostatní učedníci mu říkali: Viděli jsme Pána. Ale on jim řekl: Jestliže neuvidím na jeho rukou jizvy po hřebech a nevložím svůj prst do jizev po hřebech a nevložím svou ruku do jeho boku, neuvěřím.
A po osmi dnech byli jeho učedníci opět uvnitř a Tomáš s nimi. Přišel Ježíš, když byly dveře zavřeny, postavil se doprostřed a řekl: Pokoj vám!
Slovak (Orthodox-used / liturgical style)
Ján 20,19–26
Keď bol večer toho prvého dňa v týždni a dvere, kde boli učeníci zhromaždení zo strachu pred Židmi, boli zavreté, prišiel Ježiš, postavil sa doprostred a povedal im: Pokoj vám!
A keď to povedal, ukázal im ruky a svoj bok. Učeníci sa zaradovali, keď videli Pána.
Ježiš im znova povedal: Pokoj vám! Ako mňa poslal Otec, aj ja posielam vás.
A keď to povedal, dýchol na nich a povedal im: Prijmite Ducha Svätého.
Komu odpustíte hriechy, budú mu odpustené; komu ich zadržíte, budú zadržané.
Tomáš, jeden z dvanástich, zvaný Didymus, nebol s nimi, keď prišiel Ježiš.
Ostatní učeníci mu hovorili: Videli sme Pána. Ale on im povedal: Ak neuvidím na jeho rukách stopy po klincoch a nevložím svoj prst do stôp po klincoch a nevložím svoju ruku do jeho boku, neuverím.
A po ôsmich dňoch boli jeho učeníci znova vnútri a Tomáš s nimi. Prišiel Ježiš, keď boli dvere zatvorené, postavil sa doprostred a povedal: Pokoj vám!
The Meaning of the Passage
This Gospel takes place on the evening of the Resurrection:
“Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
The disciples are gathered in fear, behind closed doors. Yet Christ appears among them not as a ghost, but in His glorified body. His greeting, “Peace be with you,” is not merely comforting, it is transformative. It signals reconciliation between God and humanity.
Christ then shows His wounds, proving that the Crucified One is truly the Risen One.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
One of the most profound moments in this passage is when Christ breathes on the disciples:
“Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22)
This act recalls the creation of Adam, when God breathed life into humanity. Here, the Risen Christ inaugurates a new creation—restoring and renewing mankind.
He also grants the apostles authority:
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven…” (John 20:23)
This becomes the foundation of the Church’s sacramental life.
The Absence of Thomas
Thomas is not present during this first appearance. His absence becomes spiritually significant, he represents all who struggle with doubt.
When told of the Resurrection, Thomas responds:
“Unless I see… I will not believe.” (John 20:25)
This honest doubt sets the stage for the next encounter (read the following Sunday), where faith is deepened through experience.
Why It Is Called the “Second Resurrection Gospel” ?
This Gospel reading done in multiple languages during Easter Monday services, is very adequate in international Church communities such as Orthodox Church pariches in Western Europe and America where, there are church members from virtually every nationality.
Those reading is conduceted in Church Pariches by people whos native language is the language of reading or by anyone in the Church community that can speak or read the language. Thus the Church assemblyy shows clearly to the World:
1. The universality of the Resurrection for All Mankind and a reference to the Primal Language of Edem which in New Testamental times after Christ is the Language of Love and virtues as given by Christ.
2. The spreading of the Gospel to all nations (for which the apostles and every Christian has been called by the Saviour
The unity of the Church across cultures and tongues
3. The unity of the Church across cultures and tongues and the one saving truth that if practiced as prescribed will lead humanity and each individual to Christs faith and salvation.
Closing words
Hopefully this article was interseting for tech guys and some diversity from the boredom of tech stuff. I hope it shed some light love, faith, hope and peace and understanding for anyone who searches for the Truth.
I will close it with the Great and glorious and spiritually rich Paschal Sermon of Saint John Crysostom, that is being red on the Easter Service (at some Churches it is practice to read this sermon over the first three days Church services of Pasche).
The Catechetical Sermon of St. John Chrysostom reading Matins of Pascha.
The descent to Hades of Christ – Saint Ekaterina Monastery ancient of Resurrection
If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast.
If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.
If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.
If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward.
If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast.
If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof.
If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing.
If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.
And He shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one He gives, and upon the other He bestows gifts.
And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second.
You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day.
Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast.
The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously.
The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.
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.
And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered, when it encountered Thee in the lower regions.
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.
