The Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom
A sermon brought back to life · about three minutes
John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople from 398 to 404, was called “golden-mouthed” for his preaching. This short Easter sermon, the Paschal Homily, is traditionally ascribed to him and is still read aloud in Orthodox churches at Easter. Here it is in a modern English adaptation, set in the Great Church of Constantinople as it stood in his day: a basilica with a timber roof, before Justinian’s Hagia Sophia replaced it.
Read the Sermon
If anyone loves God and seeks Him faithfully,
let that person rejoice in this beautiful and radiant feast.
If anyone has served the Lord with gratitude,
let them now enter into the joy of their Master.
If anyone has labored through fasting and discipline,
let them now receive their reward.
If anyone has worked from the first hour,
let them receive today what is justly due.
If anyone came after the third hour,
let them celebrate with thankfulness.
If anyone arrived after the sixth hour,
let them have no fear, for they lose nothing.
If anyone delayed until the ninth hour,
let them still come forward without hesitation.
And if anyone has waited even until the eleventh hour,
let them not be afraid because of their delay.
For the Master is generous and receives the last as He receives the first.
He gives rest to the one who came at the eleventh hour
just as He does to the one who labored from the beginning.
He shows mercy to the last
and cares for the first.
He rewards one
and welcomes the other.
He honors the work
and praises the intention.
So enter, all of you, into the joy of your Lord.
You who are first, and you who are last,
receive your reward.
Rich and poor together,
celebrate the feast.
You who have fasted,
and you who have not fasted,
rejoice today.
The table is full and overflowing.
Feast abundantly.
The calf is prepared.
Let no one go away hungry.
Let everyone share in the banquet of faith.
Let everyone receive the riches of God’s goodness.
Let no one mourn because of poverty,
for the universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one grieve because of sins,
for forgiveness has risen from the tomb.
Let no one fear death,
for the Savior’s death has set us free.
Christ has destroyed death by entering into it.
He destroyed the power of hell when He descended into it.
Hell was filled with bitterness when it encountered Him.
It was embittered because it was overthrown.
Embittered because it was mocked.
Embittered because it was defeated.
Embittered because it was destroyed.
Embittered because it was bound in chains.
Hell took a body
and discovered God.
It took earth
and encountered Heaven.
It took what it could see
and was conquered by what it could not see.
O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and you are overthrown.
Christ is risen, and the demons have fallen.
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen, and life reigns.
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the tomb.
For Christ, risen from the dead,
has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion
forever and ever.
Amen.
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