Canon for Easter Day: Ode VI

ODE VI.

by S. John Damascene.

κατῆλθες ἐν τοῖς κατωτάτοις.

Into the dim earth's lowest parts descending,
And bursting by Thy might the infernal chain
That bound the prisoners, Thou, at three days’ ending,
As Jonah from the whale, hast risen again.

Thou brakest not the seal, Thy surety's token,
Arising from the Tomb, Who left’st in Birth
The portals of Virginity unbroken,
Opening the gates of heaven to sons of earth.

Thou, Sacrifice ineffable and living,
Didst to the Father by Thyself atone
As God eternal: resurrection giving
To Adam, general parent, by Thine own.