Hymns of the Greek Church Translated with Introduction and Notes
Chapter 2
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)
I
Thou one Begotten Son, Eternal Word adored, Immortal while the ages run, And our Almighty Lord;
II
To bring Salvation nigh, To vanquish death and sin, Thou didst in cruel anguish die, And life for mortals win.
III
Save us, O Christ our God, Save by Thy Cross, we pray; Thou who didst bear the Father's rod, And death by dying slay.
IV
Thou art the Eternal Son, One in the glorious Three; Co-equal praise while ages run Shall ever rise to thee.
{Kyrie, anabainontos sou en to stauro}
({Doxa Echos pl. d1})
I
When on the cruel Cross The Lord was lifted high, Affrighted earth in terror quailed To see its Maker die.
II
Then had the yawning caves Devoured the murderous band, Had not the Crucified in love Stretched forth His saving hand.
III
Thou gav'st Thyself to die, Dark Hades to explore, To bring to souls in prison bound New life for evermore.
IV
O Lover of mankind, To Thee all glory be, For Thou didst give not death, but life, When hanging on the tree.
{Dia Lazarou ten egersin Kyrie}
({Antiphonon G' Echos B'})
When Lazarus rose at Christ's command, And God was glorified of men, The children cried Hosanna then, But Judas would not understand.
{Echos ho autos}
When seated with Thy chosen band Thou didst to Thy disciples say That one, O Christ, would Thee betray, But Judas would not understand.
{ho autos}
The sop revealed the traitor's hand, In answer to the question made; They saw by whom Thou wert betrayed, But Judas would not understand.
{ho autos}
The Jews, O Christ, Thy life demand, 'Twas purchased for a price like this-- For silver pieces and a kiss, But Judas would not understand.
{ho autos}
Thou, with Thine own unstained hand, Didst wash the feet, and humbly teach That such a task becometh each, But Judas would not understand.
{ho autos}
'Watch thou and pray,' was Thy command, Lest, thoughtless, the disciples fall Beneath the tempter's bitter thrall; But Judas would not understand.
{semeron gregorei ho Ioudas}
({Antiphonon Echos barys})
I
The wily Judas watches near The Master's path to-day, That he may into wicked hands The Eternal Lord betray, Who in the desert lone and dread Supplied the multitudes with bread.
II
To-day the wicked one denies His Teacher and his Friend-- Once a disciple, he betrays His Master in the end. For silver, see the Lord is sold, Who manna gave in days of old.
III
{ho autos}
To-day the Jews on Calvary A cruel Cross have raised, And nailed upon that Cross, their Lord Have wickedly abased, Who made a pathway through the sea And led them from captivity.
IV
To-day the spear is lifted high And thrust into His side, Who for His people raised His hand And wounded Egypt's pride; They give Him vinegar and gall, Who showered down manna on them all.
{Ho anaballomenos phos hos himation}
({Antiphonon I' Echos pl. b'})
I
O Thou who cloth'st Thyself complete With light as with a garment fair, Thou bor'st the cruel, vulgar stare, Unrobed before the judgment-seat.
II
Thou gav'st the hand its subtle power, But with the hand, O Lord of grace, Upon Thy pallid, careworn face, They smote Thee in that evil hour.
III
They nailed the Lord of Glory high, And while He hung in awful pain, The temple veil was rent in twain, The sun refused to see Him die.
{Anti agathon hon epoiesas, Christe}
({Antiphonon IA' Echos pl. b'})
For all the good performed by Thee, O Christ, the Hebrews deemed it meet To bear Thee from the judgment-seat And nail Thee to the cruel tree; They gave Thee vinegar and gall-- But render justice to them all.
{ho autos}
'Twas not enough they should betray And nail Thee to the Cross to die; They wagged their heads and passed Thee by, And mocked Thee on that woful day; In vain they strove against Thee, Lord-- Give Thou to them their due reward.
{ho autos}
The quaking earth inspires no dread,-- The temple veil asunder fell, The rocks were rent--still they rebel, E'en when the graves gave up their dead; But vain they strove against Thee, Lord-- Give Thou to them their due reward.
{Kyrie, ho ton Lesten}
({Antiphonon ID' Echos pl. d1})
I
When Thou wert crucified by men, O Christ, for Thy companion then Thou didst accept the base and vile, Whose hand was stained with blood the while; O, number us with him, we pray! Thou who art good and kind alway.
II
{ho autos}
Few were his words, but Thou didst hear; His faith was great, and Thou wert near; And first of men, with glad surprise, He entered opened Paradise. Be Thou for evermore adored! The needy's prayer was not abhorred.
{tas hesperinas hemon euchas}
({stichera Anastasima})
I
Our evening prayers attend, O Thou that holy art; In mercy full forgiveness send To every contrite heart; For Thou hast risen to set us free, And all mankind rejoice in Thee.
II
Encompass Zion round, Ye people, tell His fame; Let Resurrection joy abound, And glory to His name; He is our Lord, who from the grave Arose our sinning souls to save.
III
With resurrection lays Ye people, come, adore, And worship Him with grateful praise Who lives for evermore; He is our God, who from the grave Arose our sinning souls to save.
IV
Lord, by Thy Passion Thou Sav'st men from passions base, And by Thy Resurrection, now Dost from corruption raise. Glory to Thee we humbly bring, O Christ, who art our Heavenly King.
{phos hilaron hagias doxes}
By Athenogenes, 296 A.D.
I
Light serene of holy glory From the Immortal Father poured, Holy Thou, O Blessed Jesus, Holy, Blessed, Christ the Lord.
II
Now we see the sun descending, Now declines the evening light, And in hymns we praise the Father, Son and Spirit, God of Might.
III
Worthy of unending praises, Christ the Son of God art Thou; For Thy gift of life eternal, See the world adores Thee now.
{anastasin Christou theasamenoi}
I
We have heard the wondrous story Of the Resurrection morn; We have seen its matchless glory, Christ the risen Lord adorn. Let us worship and adore Him, Let us now fall down before Him.
II
Men with erring sinners found Thee, Found the only sinless One; And upon a Cross they bound Thee, For the good that Thou hadst done; Come, upon the Cross adore Him, Let us now fall down before Him.
III
We have heard the wondrous story Of the Resurrection day,-- Christ our God, to Him be glory, For He casts death's bands away. Let us worship and adore Him, Come and let us fall before Him.
IV
Come, ye faithful, come with gladness, To your God thanksgiving pay; For the Cross was shorn of sadness On the Resurrection day. Let us worship and adore Him, Come and let us bow before Him.
{ei kai en tapho katelthes athanate}
({kontakion, Echos pl. d1})
By St. John of Damascus, 780 A.D.
I
When, O King Immortal, Thou didst seek the gloom, Tasting death in meekness, Resting in the tomb-- On that dark and woful day, Hades owned Thy kingly sway.
II
Victor! now we hail Thee, Hail Thee Christ our God; Thou hast burst the barrier Of Thy dark abode; On that glad and glorious day, Hades owned Thy kingly sway.
III
They who bore the spices In the early hour, Heard the salutation Of the Lord of power, And His followers, sore and sad, Found the peace that made them glad.
IV
Hail the King Immortal! Death by death is slain, And the weak and fallen Rise to life again; On this glad and glorious day Hades owns the Victor's sway.
{Idou ho Nymphios erchetai en to meso tes nyktos}
({troparia})
I
Behold the Bridegroom cometh At the hour of midnight drear, And blest be he who watcheth When his Master shall appear, But woe betide the careless one Asleep when He is near!
II
O soul of mine, bestir thee Lest thou sink in slumber quite, And the Bridegroom find thee sleeping When He cometh in His might. Awake, awake to praises, For He cometh in the night.
III
That fearful day approacheth, Then live, O soul, aright, And watch the hour, and trim thy lamp And keep it burning bright, Lest the voice be heard, 'He cometh!' In the middle of the night.
IV
Beware when slumber binds thee, Lest the Bridegroom pass thee by, And thou knock without in darkness, And for grief and anguish cry; Take thy lamp, with oil, and trim it, For the hour is drawing nigh.
{ergo, hos palai tois mathetais epengeilo}
({troparia})
By St. Cosmas, died 760 A.D.
I
O Jesus, Lover of our race, How rich the promise of Thy grace To Thy disciples made,-- A holy Paraclete to send, To succour, comfort, and befriend With His inspiring aid.
II
On earth the light is shining clear, The Holy Comforter is here, To all the faithful given; And now, what prophets long foretold, In all His fulness we behold The Spirit sent from heaven.
{tacheian kai statheran didou paramythian tois doulois sou}
I
O Jesus, to Thy servants give The consolation they require; And when the cloud of trouble falls, With heavenly hope their souls inspire. Be ever near us, Christ, to bless And help us in Thy faithfulness.
II
As Thou wert with Thy saints of old, Be with us, ever present, Lord; Unite us to Thyself, we pray, As Thou hast promised by Thy word; Then we shall glorify and laud The Holy Spirit sent by God.
{deute proskynesomen kai prospesomen auto}
({kontakion})
I
It is a comely thing To glorify and praise Our God, the Everlasting Word, And Lord of endless days.
II
The trembling cherubim Before Him fold their wings, And all the heavenly hosts adore The mighty King of kings.
III
We would our offering give,-- O Christ, to Thee we pray, For Thou didst break the bands of death When dawned the glorious day.
IV
To Thee, Thou Three in One, Ascend our songs divine; One power, one kingdom without end, And one dominion Thine.
V
O Christ, the source of light, With light my soul inspire; Come, make my heart the bright abode Of Thy celestial fire.
{Deute laoi, ten trisypostaton theoteta proskynesomen}
By the Emperor Leo VI., died 911 A.D.
I
Come ye people, come adore Him, God in Holy Trinity; God the Father, Son, and Spirit, Ever Blessed Unity.
II
Thine the glory, God Almighty, To the Son and Spirit given, Ere upon the world's creation Dawned the new-born light of heaven.
III
Holy, holy, we adore Thee, One in power, in nature one; God the Father, God the Spirit, God the Co-Eternal Son.
IV
By the Son the wide creation Rose where chaos held its sway; By the Spirit, God Almighty Swept eternal night away.
V
Son, the Father's love revealing, Son, through whom the Spirit came, Blessed Godhead! endless glory Be to Thine exalted name.
{hotan elthes ho theos epi ges}
({kontakion Echos a'})
I
When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Wrapt in Thy glory bright, Then shall the earth in terror quake, The sun withhold his light.
II
When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then to Thy judgment-bar, Even as a mighty stream, shall flow The sons of men from far.
III
When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then shall the books be spread, And from their secrets Thou shalt judge The living and the dead.
IV
When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then save me by Thy power, Let not the flames of wrath o'ertake Thy servant in that hour.
V
When Thou shalt come, O Lord, In mercy let me stand-- No guilt upon my conscience laid-- Approved, at Thy right hand.
CANON FOR EASTER DAY BY ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS
ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS
John of Damascus is by far the most prominent and most poetical of all the Greek Christian poets. He dwelt for many years in his native city of Damascus, a valiant champion of orthodoxy against all comers. His influence on Greek hymnody was immense, and he is held in high esteem by the Greek Church for his work in that department, and as a theologian. The _Octoechos_, which contains the Ferial Office, was, it is said, arranged by John of Damascus. There his Canons are found, which are perhaps his greatest work in hymnody. John retired eventually to the monastery of Mar Saba, where he spent a life of devotion, and sang those Christian hymns which have cheered and inspired so many generations of Christians in the East. There he penned the 'Golden Canon' for Easter Day, which breathes the glorious hopes of the Resurrection.
{Ode A'}
{anastaseos hemera lamprynthomen laoi;}
{ho Heirmos}
Hail the Resurrection day! Let the people shout for gladness; 'Tis a passover of joy,-- Let us banish every sadness; For, from death to endless life, Christ our God His people bringeth; As from earth to heaven we rise, Each his song of triumph singeth.
{troparion}
From our eyes the veil remove, That we may, in light transcending, See the risen Lord of Life, Life to all in grace extending. Let our ears His voice perceive; To His accents kind attending, We would hear 'All hail!' and sing, Every voice in triumph blending.
Let the heavens above rejoice, Let the earth take up the measure; All the world, and all therein, Join the festival of pleasure; All things visible unite With invisible in singing; For the Christ is risen indeed, Everlasting gladness bringing.
{Ode G'}
{Deute poma piomen kainon}
{ho Heirmos}
Come, let us drink the water new, Not from the rock divinely springing, But from that pure immortal stream That from His tomb our Lord is bringing.
{troparion}
All things in earth and heaven above Are filled with light that shines supernal; So all creation keeps this feast, For He hath risen, the King eternal.
With Thee, O Christ, I lay entombed, Ere light upon this day was falling; With Thee I leave death's dark abode, For Thou hast risen, and Thou art calling.
With Thee upon the Cross I hung When Thou wast faint, and weak, and sighing; Lord, with Thyself Thy servant bless, In Thy bright realm through years undying.
{Ode D'}
{epi tes theias phylakes}
{ho Heirmos}
[1]Prophet of the Lord, beside us, Now upon the watch-tower stand; Let us see the light-clad angel Earthward come at God's command, Telling of His power to save, Who hath risen from the grave.
{troparion}
He was born of Virgin Mother, Lamb of God on whom we feed; Free from every spot, and blameless, Yea, a Passover indeed: Very God His wondrous claim, And Perfection is His name.
As a yearling lamb He suffered, He, our Blessed, saving Crown; That He might from vileness cleanse us, Freely was His life laid down; Now, with beauty in our eyes, See the glorious Sun arise.
As the ark was borne in triumph, David leaped with gladness then; Now before the Type's fulfilment We should joy as holier men; For, omnipotent to save, Christ hath left the dismal grave.
[1]Habakkuk ii. 1.
{Ode E'}
{orthrisomen orthroi batheos}
{ho Heirmos}
Ere the morn in beauty wake, Let us seek the Saviour's tomb,-- Not with ointment and perfume, But with songs the silence break; We shall see the Christ appear, Sun of Righteousness to cheer.
{troparion}
They who dwell in death's abode, Bound with fetters dark and cold, Shall the Saviour's love behold; They shall hail the light of day, And their gladsome foot employ In this festival of joy.
Go ye forth amid the gloom, And with torches burning bright Cheer the darkness of the night, Meet the Bridegroom at the tomb; Greet with songs of festal glee Him who sets His people free.
{Ode ST'}
{katelthes en tois katotatois}
{ho Heirmos}
To depths of earth Thou didst descend, O Christ, to break the chain That held the sons of men enslaved, And lead them forth again; As Jonah left the living grave, So cam'st Thou forth, O Christ, to save.
{troparion}
Unbroken were the seals when Thou Didst leave the dismal tomb, Even as the virgin bars remained When Thou didst leave the womb; And Thou hast ope'd the gates of heaven, And entrance free to all is given.
O Thou, my Saviour and my God, Who camest from above, And gav'st Thyself for sinful men An offering of love! Now, rising from the grave, we see Our human race arise with Thee.
{Ode Z'}
{ho paidas ek kaminou rhysamenos}
{ho Heirmos}
He who in the fiery furnace Kept from harm the faithful three, Suffering in our mortal nature, Decks with life mortality,-- Him, our fathers' God, we praise, Blest and glorious always.
{troparion}
Holy women bearing ointments, Sought the mortal, bathed in tears; But their sorrow changed to gladness, For the Living God appears; And they tell the news abroad Of the risen Son of God.
Now we celebrate the triumph, Death and Hades overthrown, Earnest of a life unending; All the glory is Thine own; God, our fathers' God, we praise, Blest and glorious always.
Hallowed feast of holy gladness! Night that waits salvation's birth, Till the Resurrection morning Breaks with splendour on the earth, And eternal light is poured By the Christ from death restored.
{Ode E'}
{haute he klete kai hagia hemera}
{ho Heirmos}
This is the chosen day of God, The brightest and the fairest, The Lady thou of all the feasts, The Queen of all, and rarest; Now let our songs of blessing soar To Thee, O Christ, for evermore.
{troparion}
O glorious Resurrection day! With fruit of vine the newest; Come, let us taste the heavenly draught, And joy with joy the truest; To Thee, O Christ, our praises soar, Who art our God for evermore.
O Zion, lift thine eyes, behold The lights that shine around thee From east and west, and north and south, Thy children now surround thee; And in thy streets their praises soar, To Thee, O Christ, for evermore.
Almighty Father! Word Divine! O spirit co-eternal! In persons three, in nature one, O God of power supernal! Baptized in Thee, our praises soar, And Thee we bless for evermore.
{kai psalletai he T~h' Ode}
{photizou photizou, he nea Hierousalem;}
{ho Heirmos}
Shine forth, O new Jerusalem! O Zion, shout with glee! For now the glory of the Lord Is risen upon thee; O mother pure of God's own Son, Rejoice--His victory is won!
{troparion}
O dear and sweetest voice divine, O Christ, Thou wilt befriend, And lead Thy people safely on E'en to their journey's end; Thy faithful people hear Thy voice, And in that steadfast hope rejoice.
O Christ, our sacred Paschal feast, The Word, the might of God,-- His wisdom most ineffable By Thee is shed abroad; O may we feast on Thee for aye In Thy blest realm of endless day.
_COLLECTS_ THE ECTENE AND THE LITANY OF THE DEACON
These Collects hold a most important place in the services of the Eastern Church. There are few offices in which they are not found imbedded. Their catholicity is most remarkable. The suffrages are peculiar to no church service, but common to all liturgies. The people share in them by responding 'Lord have mercy' at the end of each petition, and 'Amen' at the close.
{EKTENE} OR GREAT COLLECT
{Hyper tes anothen eirenes, kai tes soterias ton psychon hemon, tou Kyriou deethomen}
I
Lord, to our humble prayers attend, Let Thou Thy peace from heaven descend, And to our souls salvation send. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
II
Rule in our hearts, Thou Prince of Peace, The welfare of Thy Church increase, And bid all strife and discord cease. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
III
To all who meet for worship here, Do Thou in faithfulness draw near; Inspire with faith and godly fear. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
IV
O let Thy priests be clothed with might, To rule within Thy Church aright, That they may serve as in Thy sight. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
V
The sovereign ruler of our land, Protect by Thine Almighty hand, And all around the throne who stand. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
VI
In time of war be near to aid, Strong be the arm for battle made, Prostrate be every foeman laid. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
VII
Let clouds and sunshine bless the earth, Give fruits and flowers a timely birth, Our harvests crown with peaceful mirth. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
VIII
Let voyagers by land and sea In danger's hour in safety be; The suffering and the captives free. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
IX
Around us let Thy shield be cast, Till wrath and danger are o'erpast, And tribulation's bitter blast. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.
{kyrie eleeson. Antilabou, soson, eleeson kai diaphylaxon hemas}
Deacon. Let us complete our evening supplication to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy upon us.
I
God of all Grace, Thy mercy send; Let Thy protecting arm defend; Save us, and keep us to the end. Have mercy, Lord.
II
And through the coming hours of night, Fill us, we pray, with holy light; Keep us all sinless in Thy sight. Grant this, O Lord.
III