May 2, 2021

Reflection for the Sunday of the Bright Resurrection of the Lord (St. Theophan the Recluse)

 
By St. Theophan the Recluse 
 
Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha! 
 
The Lord has led us from death to life by means of His Resurrection. 
 
And this Resurrection “the angels hymn in the heavens,” having seen the brightness of the deified human nature in the glory foreordained for it, in the countenance of the Lord and Redeemer. 
 
All Who truly believe in Him and cleave to Him with all their soul are changed into His image by the power of His Resurrection. 
 
 Glory, O Lord, to Thy most glorious Resurrection! 
 
The angels hymn, rejoicing with us and foreseeing the filling of their assembly. 
 
Vouchsafe unto us also with pure hearts, O Lord, to glorify Thee Resurrected; seeing in Thy Resurrection the severing of our consuming decay, the sowing of a most bright new life, and the dawn of future eternal glory, into which Thou hast gone before us by Thy Resurrection for our sake. 
 
The tongues not only of men but also of angels have insufficient strength to express Thine unspeakable mercy toward us, O most gloriously Resurrected Lord!