Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this
beautiful bright Festival. And whosoever is a grateful servant, let him
joyously enter into the joy of his Lord. And if any be weary with fasting, let
him now receive his reward. If any has toiled from the first hour let him
receive his just debt. If any came after the third let him gratefully
celebrate. If any arrived after the sixth, let him not doubt; for he too shall
sustain no loss. If any have delayed to the ninth, let him come without
hesitation. If any arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by
reason of his delay; for the Master is gracious and receives the last, even as
the first. He gives rest to him who arrives at the eleventh hour, as well as
him, who has laboured from the first. He is merciful to the one who delays and
nourishes the first. He gives also to the one, and to the other He is gracious.
He accepts the works, as He greets the endeavour, He honours the deed, and the
intent He commends.
Let all of you then enter into the joy of your Lord.
The first and second enjoy your reward. You rich and poor, rejoice together.
You temperate and you heedless, honour the day. You who fasted, and you who did
not, rejoice today. The table is richly laden. All of you, fare sumptuously on
it.
The Calf is a fatted one; let no one go away hungry. All of you enjoy the banquet of faith.
All of you enjoy the riches of His goodness. Let no one grieve poverty; for the
universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let
no one grieve over sins; for forgiveness has dawned from the tomb. Let no one
fear death; for the Death of our Saviour has set us free. He has destroyed it
by enduring it. He despoiled Hades, when He descended thereto. He embittered
it, having tasted of His flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he cried out: “You, O
Hades, have been embittered by encountering
Him 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 annihilated. It was embittered, for
it is now made captive. It took a body, and, lo, it discovered God. It took
earth and, behold! It encountered Heaven. It took what it saw, and was overcome
by what it could not see.
O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your
victory? Christ is risen, and you are annihilated. Christ is risen, and the
demons have fallen. 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, has become the first fruits of those
that who fall asleep. To Him be the glory and the dominion to the Ages of Ages.
Amen.
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