Christ is Risen!

Indeed He is risen!

Do not lament Me, O Mother, seeing Me in the tomb,

the Son conceived in the womb without seed;

for I shall arise, and be glorified;

and, as God, I shall unceasingly exalt

all who extol Thee in faith and in love.

-Canon of Holy Saturday, Ode 9

Come receive ye light from the Light which is never overtaken by night, and glorify Christ who has arisen from the dead.

Thy resurrection, O Christ our Savior, the angels in heaven sing, enable us on earth to worship Thee in purity of heart.

(It was cold outside, especially when wearing dresses selected before anyone suspected there would be a cold front moving through Holy Saturday! The north wind kept blowing the candles out. But, hey, no mosquitoes!)

Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!

Priest: (Knocks 3 times with a cross) Lift up ye gates, O ye princes! And be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, that the King of Glory may enter!”

Door-Keeper: Who is the King of Glory?

Priest: The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in battle!

Priest: (Knocks 3 times with a cross) Lift up ye gates, O ye princes! And be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, that the King of Glory may enter!”

Door-Keeper: Who is the King of Glory?

Priest: (Knocks 3 times with a cross) Lift up ye gates, O ye princes! And be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, that the King of Glory may enter!”

The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory!

O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. 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 not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.