1. The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God. From death to life eternal, From earth unto the sky, Our Christ hath brought us over With hymns of victory. 2. Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light; And, list'ning to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain, His own "All hail!" and, hearing, May raise the victor strain. 3. Now let the heav'ns be joyful! Let earth her song begin! The world resound in triumph, And all that is therein; Let all things seen and unseen Their notes of gladness blend; For Christ the Lord hath risen, Our Joy that hath no end.
Lyrics: John of Damascus, 8th century; translated by John M. Neale
Music:
Henry Thomas Smart
Tune: LANCASHIRE
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
John of Damascus, early 8th century
English translation by John M. Neale, 1818–1866
This hymn from the early eighth century is one of the oldest expressions found in most hymnals. Its origin is rooted in the liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church. It was written by one of the famous monks of that church, John of Damascus, c. 676–c. 780.
The celebration of Easter has always been a spectacle of ecclesiastical pomp in the Greek Orthodox Church. Even today, as a vital part of the ceremony, the worshipers bury a cross under the high altar on Good Friday and dramatically resurrect it with shouts of “Christos egerthe” (“Christ is risen”) on Easter Sunday. With this announcement begins a time of joyous celebration. Torches are lit, bells and trumpets peel, and salvos of cannons fill the air.
John M. Neale is generally regarded as one of the leading translators of ancient hymns. He was recognized as one of the most learned hymnologists of his day and had a knowledge of twenty languages.