Whoever is a wise servant, let him enter rejoicing into the joy of his Lord.
Whoever has labored by fasting, let him take a denarius today.
Whoever has worked from the first hour, let him receive his due pay today.
Whoever comes after the third hour, let him celebrate with gratitude.
Whoever managed to come after the sixth hour, let him not worry at all, for he will not lose anything.
Whoever has delayed until the ninth hour, let him approach without any doubt, without fearing anything.
He who managed to arrive only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid of his delay.
For the generous Lord receives the last as well as the first; he gives rest to him who comes at the eleventh hour, just as he gives rest to him who has worked from the first hour; he has mercy on the last, and cares for the first; he gives to this one, and bestows favor on that one; he accepts deeds, and welcomes intentions; he honors activity and praises disposition.
So enter ye all into the joy of our Lord: and ye, first and second, shall receive a reward:
Rich and poor, rejoice together;
Abstinent and lazy, honor this day;
You who have fasted and you who have not fasted, rejoice now.
The meal is abundant, so be satisfied, everyone.
The calf is great - let no one go away hungry; let all enjoy the feast of faith; let all enjoy the wealth of goodness.
Let no one complain of poverty, for the common Kingdom has opened.
Let no one weep for sins, for forgiveness has shone forth from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the death of the Savior has set us free.
He destroyed her, being embraced by her;
He emptied hell by descending into hell;
He grieved the one who touched His flesh.
Isaiah, having foreseen this, exclaimed: “Hell,” he says, “was grieved when it met You in the underworld.”
He became sad because he became idle;
He was grieved, because he was put to shame;
He was grieved, for he was put to death;
He was grieved because he was deposed;
I was upset because I was tied up.
He took the body and found God in it;
He took the earth and saw the sky in it;
He took what he saw and was subjected to what he did not see.
"Death! Where is your sting?
“Hell! Where is your victory?” ( 1 Cor. 15:55 ).
Christ is risen, and you have fallen;
Christ is risen, and the demons have fallen;
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice;
Christ is risen, and life is restored;
Christ is risen, and there is not a single dead person in the tomb.
For Christ, who rose from the dead, is “the firstfruits of them that slept” ( 1 Cor. 15:20 ).
To Him be glory and power forever and ever.
Amen.