Christ is Risen: An Ancient Easter Song

This is one of my favorite meditations on the power of the Resurrection and the meaning of Easter, from 17 centuries ago.


A Canticle from the Easter Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom [300's CE]

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Let no one weep for his sins, 
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 death 
has annihilated death. 

By descending into Hell, 
Christ took Hell captive. 

Hell was embittered, for it was abolished. 
Hell was embittered, for it was mocked by Christ. 

Hell was embittered, for it was slain. 
Hell was embittered, for it was overthrown. 

Hell took Christ's 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 as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!