Paschal Homily by St. John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD), Archbishop of Constantinople, was a renowned early Church Father known for his eloquent preaching rooted in deep Scriptural insights. He is recognized as one of the four great Doctors of the Church of the East. The title Chrysostom, meaning “golden-mouthed,” reflects his reputation as one of the greatest preachers in the history of the Church. His Paschal Homily is a joyful and triumphant proclamation of Christ’s resurrection, inviting all—regardless of their spiritual journey—to partake in the feast of faith. With rich imagery and a pastoral touch, he declares that God’s grace is boundless, embracing both the zealous and the tardy, the righteous and the repentant alike. His words build to a powerful climax, celebrating Christ’s victory over death, the defeat of hell and the dawn of new life. The homily resounds with the ultimate Paschal proclamation: “Christ is risen!”—a truth that brings joy, freedom and eternal hope.  – Guy+ Delcambre, All Saints Dallas

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If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast.

If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.

If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.

If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward.

If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast.

If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof.

If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing.

If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness.

For the Lord, who is jealous of His honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.

And He shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one He gives, and upon the other He bestows gifts.

And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering.

Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second.

You rich and poor together, hold high festival.

You sober and you heedless, honor the day.

Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast.

The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously.

The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.

Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.

Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shone forth from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free.

He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.

By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive.

He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.

And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry:

‘Hell,’ said he, ‘was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower regions.’

It was embittered, for it was abolished.

It was embittered, for it was mocked.

It was embittered, for it was slain.

It was embittered, for it was overthrown.

It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains.

It took a body, and met God face to face.

It took earth, and encountered Heaven.

It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.

O Death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory?

Christ is risen, and thou art cast down.

Christ is risen, and the demons are 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, being risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.