Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea and John Chrysostom (Cambridge, University Library, MS Nn.1.23)

A rectangular decorative headpiece (pylos) featuring interlocking geometric and floral patterns in a traditional Byzantine style.

+ By the same author, Second Oration on the Holy Pascha:

"I will stand upon my watch," says the wondrous Habakkuk original: Ἀμβακούμ (Ambakoum). Gregory begins this sermon by quoting the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk (2:1), positioning himself as a prophetic watchman waiting for the light of the Resurrection.. And I will stand with him today, by the authority and contemplation given to me by the Spirit. I will look forth and I will know what will be seen and what will be spoken to me. And I stood and I looked forth; and behold, a man mounted upon the clouds original: "ἀνὴρ ἐπιβεβηκὼς ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν" (anēr epibebēkōs epi tōn nephelōn). A vision echoing the "Son of Man" in the Book of Daniel.; and he was very high; and his appearance was like the appearance of an angel; and his clothing was like a flash of lightning passing through. And he lifted up his hand toward the east, and he cried out

with a loud voice—a voice like the sound of a trumpet; and around him was a multitude of the heavenly host. And he said: "Today is salvation for the world, for all that is visible and all that is invisible. Christ is risen from the dead; rise up with Him! Christ returns to Himself; return you also! Christ comes forth from the tombs; be set free from the bonds of sin!" The gates of Hades original: ᾅδου (hadou). In the Greek tradition, this refers to the realm of the dead, which Christ is said to have "harrowed" or broken open. are opened, and death is destroyed. The old Adam is set aside, and the new original: "ὁ νέος" (ho neos). Referring to Christ as the "New Adam" who restores humanity. is brought to completion. If anyone is a new creation in Christ, be renewed! This is what he said, and the others sang hymns, just as Christ had appeared to us before in glorious victory.

Technical terms found in this section:

• Pascha: The feast of Easter.
• Habakkuk: An Old Testament prophet.
• Salvation: The act of being saved from sin/death.
• Christ from the dead: The core proclamation of the Resurrection.
• New creation: The spiritual rebirth of the believer.
• Hades: The underworld or state of the dead.