O Christ, Who art the peerless Light, Come with Thy presence ever bright, And from the Father's throne above Descend to hearts that own Thy love. II Thy Cross no shame to mortals brings; The world with joy its glory sings; And men, O Christ, before Thee bow-- All hail! Thy Resurrection now. III Ah Thou, our Lord, the Shepherd good, Upon that Cross poured forth Thy blood, And with Thy last expiring breath Didst save Thy flock from endless death. IV And death of all his power is shorn, And men to joy and peace are born, For from their sins' oppressive sway Forgiveness bears their souls away. V Glory to Thee, O God, we bring, And to the Son, our Heavenly King, And to the Holy Ghost always, Now, and throughout the endless days. Stichera (From the Office of the Cross on Quadragesima Sunday) {chairois ho zoephoros Stauros} _Triodion_, p. 215 I All hail, life-bearing Cross, The trophy of the good, Thy bloom is fragrance on our way, Thy fruit our heavenly food. II Entrance to paradise, Strength of all faithful souls; The Church's fortress when the foe His banner grim unrolls. III By thee the curse is gone, And death no terror brings; We cast his power beneath our feet, And rise to heavenly things. IV O shield of our defence, And foe of all our foes; The glory of the saints of God, Their crown for all their woes. V Who follow Christ the Lord, Their beauty find in thee; Their harbour of salvation thou, Now and eternally. Antiphon {semeron kreumatai epi xylou ho en hydasi ten gen kreumasas} _Triodion_, p. 401 I Come, mortals, come behold! He hangs upon the tree, Who made the rolling sea The new formed earth uphold. II See! He is crowned with thorns, The King of angels great, Who in His high estate A glorious crown adorns. III Derided, see Him wear A robe of purple dye, Who robes the noon-day sky With clouds that float on air. IV The Bridegroom of the Bride, The Son of Virgin born-- With nails His hands are torn, With cruel spear His side. Apolutikion