102 ODE VI.
11,10,11,10
John Damascene, 780
κατηλθες εν τοις κατωτατοις.
Into the dim earth’s lowest parts descending, And bursting by Thy might the infernal chain That bound the prisoners, Thou, at three days’ ending, As Jonah from the whale, hast risen again. | Thou brakest not the seal, Thy surety’s token, Arising from the Tomb Who left’st in Birth The portals of Virginity unbroken, Opening the gates of heaven to sons of earth. | Thou, Sacrifice ineffable and living, Didst to the FATHER by Thyself atone As GOD eternal: resurrection giving To Adam, general parent, by Thine own. | |