The Very Rev’d Marcus Kaiser, Sr., Dean & Rector
Welcome to St. Peter’s as we celebrate the most important day in all of human history. I know that sounds grandiose and dramatic, but that must be what it is. Today we join with Christians across the world and throughout time who have looked to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and found their hope and healing. This year, rather than offer you even more of my own reflections, I want to share with you just part of one of the greatest sermons ever written. It came 1600 years ago by St. John Chrysostom, and every year I read it afresh. Every year my heart sings. I pray yours will, too.
Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He destroyed Hell when He descended into it.
He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he said,
"You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below."
Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.
It was in an uproar because it is mocked.
It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.
It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.
It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.
Hell took a body, and discovered God.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.
O death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?
Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!
Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;
for Christ having risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!
The Easter sermon of John Chrysostom (circa 400 AD)