John Chrystostom (349-407) was the Early Church’s famous preacher and archbishop of Constantinople. Here are some excerpts of his celebrated Easter sermon (thanks to Christian History Magazine).

Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God?

Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!

Is there anyone who is a grateful servant?

Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

 

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!

First and last alike receive their reward;

rich and poor, rejoice together!

Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!

 

Let no one grieve at his poverty,

for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;

for forgiveness has risen from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.

He has destroyed it by enduring it.

 

He destroyed Hades when He descended into it.

He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of his flesh.

Isaiah foretold this when he said,

“You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below.”

 

Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.

It is in an uproar because it is mocked.

It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.

It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.

It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.

Hell took a body, and discovered God.

It took earth, and encountered Heaven.

It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.

O death, where is thy sting?

O Hades, where is thy victory?

 

Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!

Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!

Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!

Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;

for Christ having risen from the dead,

is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

 

To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!