[The Sermon] of our Father among the Saints, Gregory the Theologian, on the Holy Pascha and on his Delay

Resurrection Day! original: "Anastaseos hemera" It is a favorable beginning. Let us be radiant for the festival, and let us embrace one another. Let us say "Brothers," even to those who hate us—let alone to those who, out of love, have done or suffered anything for us. Let us forgive all things at the Resurrection. Let us give forgiveness to one another. The voice [of the festival] has sounded The OCR reads "ἤστηκεν" (stood), but the standard text is "ἤχησε" (sounded/rang out). brightly for us. For as I said before, we who were tested by the fire A reference to recent trials or persecutions the community faced have acted bravely. Why am I still being held back by my slowness? Gregory frequently apologized for his "slowness" or hesitance to take up the mantle of leadership and preaching. As quickly as possible, this [day] is better, for we are also His. For to the Craftsman, it is a good thing to yield. What if we gain ourselves, just as He did of old? The insult to the flesh has passed away, and the one called is ready to run. Let us lift up our eyes. Let us share in both: the administration [of the feast] and the power of the branch Likely a reference to the palm branches of the preceding week or a symbol of victory. Do not let me be restricted by prophecies; I have withdrawn just enough to look upon myself. Not as one of fire The OCR "πύριος" likely refers to the "pillar of fire" from Exodus do I enter in. A beautiful consolation for my cowardice has been prepared: the Day itself is my helper. You have made the day ours! I shall be made one with the Father in the world, and the time has been taught to us by faith through those who bore witness. To the facts and the teaching, let us joyfully pour out our praise and join our voices. Yesterday the Lamb was sacrificed, and the doorposts were anointed This refers to the original Passover in Egypt where blood on the doorposts saved the Israelites from the Angel of Death, and the pyres mourned the firstborn, and the Destroyer passed us by. The seal is fearsome and venerable, and by His precious blood, let us be walled in. Today we honor the purification [of the world]. We have escaped the bitter master [the Devil], and the [forbidden] fruit, and the mud and the brick-making Metaphors for the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt, representing the slavery of sin, and we are set free. And there is no one who can hinder us from celebrating the feast for our God—the feast of the Departure Greek: "Exodos". Gregory connects the Jewish Exodus from Egypt to the Christian soul's exit from sin.. And we do not celebrate with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, carrying nothing of the Egyptian or godless mixture within us. Yesterday I was crucified with Christ;

today I am glorified with Him. Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him. But let us offer fruits to the One who suffered and rose for us. We should offer not just what is better than illusions The OCR "φάσμαται" (ghosts/illusions) suggests a contrast between empty rituals and true spiritual life., or the body, or passions and sufferings—the flowing matter and that which is troubled. We are His creations, but the wicked have made us slaves to things below. As servants of a better world, let us offer ourselves—God’s most precious and most intimate possession. Let us return to the Image Humans are created in the "Image of God" (Genesis 1:27) that which is "according to the Image." Let us recognize our dignity. Let us honor the Archetype. Let us know the power of the Mystery and for whom Christ died. Let us become as Christ, since Christ became as we are. Let us become gods for His sake term: Theosis (Deification) — the ancient Christian teaching that God became human so that humans might participate in the divine life., since He became man for our sake. He took the worse so that He might give the better. He became poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich. He took the form of a servant so that we might regain our freedom. He descended so that we might be lifted up. He was tempted so that we might be victors. He was dishonored so that He might bring glory. He died so that He might save. He ascended so that He might draw to Himself those of us lying below in the fall of sin. Let everyone give all things, let everyone offer all fruits to the One who gave Himself as a ransom and an exchange for us. But one can give nothing so great as when one understands the Mystery and becomes, for His sake, all that He became for ours. He offers fruits as the Sheep is seen—to know the joy of God—even the very one in the womb who suffers. The Good Shepherd, the one who lays down His life for the sheep. And we have been made richly wealthy. Let us give ourselves and make our possession and Lordship blessed. And let us approach the blood with a colorful mixture. Everything makes the mind beautiful; not only the [unclear], but as much as he brings them forth. And as their action is salvation for many, as many as the paths. Receive what is life-giving and worthy of what has been done. And His humility toward us... of magnanimity... but another of generosity... many have passed through the gluttony... the one that was not closed... the commerce of words which we follow. And this we have celebrated until we hear... written all and impious? of the flesh? ...?