Let those who are devout and who truly love God, take part with joy in this beautiful and glorious feast.
Let those who are faithful servants enter rejoicing into the joy of their Lord.
Let those who have labored with fasting now receive their reward.
Let those who have worked from the first hour receive today what they are owed.
Let those who came after the third hour keep the feast with thankfulness.
Let those who arrived at the sixth hour be also confident;
they too will not be deprived.
Let those who have delayed until the ninth hour advance, with no fear.
Let those who have delayed until the eleventh hour be not afraid for their tardiness;
for the Lord is gracious, and will accept the last even as the first.
He gives rest to those who came at the eleventh hour, as well as to those who worked from the first hour.
He is merciful to those who come late, and he cares for those who came at the beginning.
He gives to the one;
and he gives to the other also.
He rewards the work which is done, and he recognizes the incomplete attempt.
He honors the act and He praises the intention.
And so let all enter into the joy of our Lord.
Let the first and the second receive their reward.
Let rich and poor rejoice together.
Rejoice today, those who have fasted and those who have not.
The table is full-laden;
let all feast richly.
The calf is fatted;
let no one leave hungry.
Let all enjoy the feast of faith;
let all receive the riches of mercy.
Let none complain of poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let none grieve for their sins;
for forgiveness has dawned from the tomb.
Let none fear death;
for the death of the Savior has freed us.
He has destroyed death by enduring it.
By descending into hell, He has plundered it.
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah prophesied this and said: Hades has been embittered by meeting 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 was then enchained.
It took a body and discovered God.
It took earth and encountered heaven.
It took what it saw and was conquered by what it saw not.
O death, where is thy sting?
O hell, where is thy victory?
Christ is risen, and you are made nothing.
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 none are left dead in the tomb.
For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.
