Part 3 (1/2)

{Semeron ho Hades stenon boa}

({stichera idiomela} of the Holy and Great Sabbath)

I

To-day the groans of Hades rise,-- 'Ah, better far for me The Son of Man had never died Upon the cursed tree!

For by His power the fettered souls I held in darkest night, Are carried through the sundered gates Into the realm of light.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

II

To-day the groans of Hades rise,-- 'My might is overthrown; I took One dead, from 'mong the dead, And claimed Him for mine own; But He hath crushed my ancient power; And those I held in thrall Have thrown aside the chains they wore, And He hath rescued all.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

III

To-day the groans of Hades rise,-- 'My power is gone from me; The Shepherd died upon the Cross, And Adam's sons are free; The bars are taken from the tomb, Death can no more appal; For He who gave Himself to death, By death hath rescued all.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

{kai ten phloginen rhomphaian}

({kontakion})

I

No longer now at Eden's gate The fiery weapon gleams, But from the Cross that leads to life A light alluring streams.

II

And now the power of Death is gone, His sting is torn away; Grim Hades can no longer claim His silent victory.

III

For Thou, O Saviour, didst descend Where darkness brooding lies, And bad'st the souls in bondage held Return to Paradise.

{ho monogenes Hyios kai Logos tou theou}

(From the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom)