Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright festival. Whosoever is a grateful servant, let him, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord. If any be weary with fasting, let him now receive his reward. If any has labored from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any has come after the third hour, let him gratefully celebrate. If any arrived after the sixth hour, let him have no doubt for he too shall suffer no loss. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him come without hesitation. If any arrived even at the eleventh hour, let him not fear on account of his delay. For the Master is gracious and receives the last, even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, just as to him who has labored 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 both honors the work and commends the intention.

Let all of you enter into the joy of our Lord. Whether first or last, receive your reward. You rich and poor, rejoice together. You sober and you heedless, honor the day! You that have fasted and you that have not, rejoice today! The table is richly laden. All of you, feast sumptuously on it! The calf is fatted; 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 lament his 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 that was taken by death has destroyed it! He despoiled Hades, when he descended thereto. He embittered it, having tasted of His flesh! Isaiah foretold this when he exclaimed, "You, O Hades, have been embittered by encountering Him below."

It was vexed, for it was abolished!

It was vexed, for it was mocked!

It was vexed, for it was slain!

It was vexed, for it was annihilated!

It was vexed, 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 thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory?

Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!

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 who have fallen asleep. To Him be the glory and the dominion to the Ages of Ages. Amen.

-St. John Chrysostom