come, O Lord,
In mercy let me stand--
No guilt upon my conscience laid--
Approved, at Thy right hand.

CANON FOR EASTER DAY
BY
ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS

ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS

John of Damascus is by far the most prominent and most poetical of all
the Greek Christian poets. He dwelt for many years in his native city of
Damascus, a valiant champion of orthodoxy against all comers. His
influence on Greek hymnody was immense, and he is held in high esteem by
the Greek Church for his work in that department, and as a theologian.
The _Octoechos_, which contains the Ferial Office, was, it is said,
arranged by John of Damascus. There his Canons are found, which are
perhaps his greatest work in hymnody. John retired eventually to the
monastery of Mar Saba, where he spent a life of devotion, and sang those
Christian hymns which have cheered and inspired so many generations of
Christians in the East. There he penned the 'Golden Canon' for Easter
Day, which breathes the glorious hopes of the Resurrection.

{Ode A'}

{anastaseos hemera lamprynthomen laoi;}

{ho Heirmos}

Hail the Resurrection day!
Let the people shout for gladness;
'Tis a passover of joy,--
Let us banish every sadness;
For, from death to endless life,
Christ our God His people bringeth;
As from earth to heaven we rise,
Each his song of triumph singeth.

{troparion}

From our eyes the veil remove,
That we may, in light transcending,
See the risen Lord of Life,
Life to all in grace extending.
Let our ears His voice perceive;
To His accents kind attending,
We would hear 'All hail!' and sing,
Every voice in triumph blending.

Let the heavens above rejoice,
Let the earth take up the measure;
All the world, and all therein,
Join the festival of pleasure;
All things visible unite
With invisible in singing;
For the Christ is risen indeed,
Everlasting gladness bringing.

{Ode G'}

{Deute poma piomen kainon}

{ho Heirmos}

Come, let us drink the water new,
Not from the rock di