Hymns of the Greek Church: Translated with Introduction and Notes

Name: Hymns of the Greek Church: Translated with Introduction and Notes
Author: Brownlie, John

Brownlie, John

Hymns, Greek -- Translations into English; Orthodox Eastern Church -- Hymns

[1]Prophet of the Lord, beside us,
      Now upon the watch-tower stand;
    Let us see the light-clad angel
      Earthward come at God's command,
    Telling of His power to save,
    Who hath risen from the grave.

                               {troparion}

    He was born of Virgin Mother,
      Lamb of God on whom we feed;
    Free from every spot, and blameless,
      Yea, a Passover indeed:
    Very God His wondrous claim,
    And Perfection is His name.

    As a yearling lamb He suffered,
      He, our Blessed, saving Crown;
    That He might from vileness cleanse us,
      Freely was His life laid down;
    Now, with beauty in our eyes,
    See the glorious Sun arise.

    As the ark was borne in triumph,
      David leaped with gladness then;
    Now before the Type's fulfilment
      We should joy as holier men;
    For, omnipotent to save,
    Christ hath left the dismal grave.


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[1]Habakkuk ii. 1.




                                {Ode E'}

                      {orthrisomen orthroi batheos}


                              {ho Heirmos}

    Ere the morn in beauty wake,
      Let us seek the Saviour's tomb,--
      Not with ointment and perfume,
    But with songs the silence break;
      We shall see the Christ appear,
      Sun of Righteousness to cheer.

                               {troparion}

    They who dwell in death's abode,
      Bound with fetters dark and cold,
      Shall the Saviour's love behold;
    They shall hail the light of day,
      And their gladsome foot employ
      In this festival of joy.

    Go ye forth amid the gloom,
      And with torches burning bright
      Cheer the darkness of the night,
    Meet the Bridegroom at the tomb;
      Greet with songs of festal glee
      Him who sets His people free.




                                {Ode ST'}

                     {katelthes en tois katotatois}


                              {ho Heirmos}

    To depths of earth Thou didst descend,
      O Christ, to break the chain
    That held the sons of men enslaved,
      And lead them forth again;
    As Jonah left the living grave,
    So cam'st Thou forth, O Christ, to save.

                               {troparion}

    Unbroken were the seals when Thou
      Didst leave the dismal tomb,
    Even as the virgin bars remained
      When Thou didst leave the womb;
    And Thou hast ope'd the gates of heaven,
    And entrance free to all is given.

    O Thou, my Saviour and my God,
      Who camest from above,
    And gav'st Thyself for sinful men
      An offering of love!
    Now, rising from the grave, we see
    Our human race arise with Thee.




                                {Ode Z'}

                    {ho paidas ek kaminou rhysamenos}


                              {ho Heirmos}

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Hymns of the Greek Church: Translated with Introduction and Notes

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