Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom

“Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright festival; and whosoever is a grateful servant let him joyously enter in the joy of his Lord.”

So begins the Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom, heard at the end of the Divine Liturgy, this year in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, May 5. It is a remarkable sermon both for its inspiring content, and its uniquely interactive quality.

The fact that the church walls vibrate with the chorus of “Truly He is Risen!” speaks volumes of Saint John’s ability to connect with the deeply held faith of his people even into the early hours of the morning. But, this is how Orthodox Christianity rings in the most awe-inspiring celebration of our Lord Jesus’ miraculous resurrection.

In his sermon, Saint John understands that some people may arrive late, but not that they will leave early! “If any arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay; for the Master is gracious and receives the last, even as the first.” This is a celebration of the entire Church community, and no one should feel unwelcome or turn away because they have gotten a late start.

St. John’s sermon includes biblical references and direct quotes, one of the most powerful coming from the end of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, “O Death where is your victory; O Hades, where is your sting?” (1Cor.15:55)

It is a masterful interactive sermon, beginning with his response to St. Paul’s questions. He responds to these pointed questions with, “Christ is Risen! (People: Truly He is Risen!) and You (Hades) are annihilated! Christ is Risen! (People: Truly He is Risen!) and the demons have fallen! Christ is Risen! (People: Truly He is Risen!) and the Angels rejoice! Christ is Risen! (People: Truly He is Risen!) and life is liberated! Christ is Risen (People: Truly He is Risen!) and the tomb is emptied of the dead!

This interaction will be played out in Orthodox Christian churches throughout the world, when all in the congregation hopefully have caught their second wind! It’s an exciting exchange of faith, a collective statement of Christian faith like no other. Candles are held high, voices are in unison, the joy and excitement not just of the end of the Lenten Journey, but the acknowledgment of the life-saving message of God’s unconditional love for mankind.

May this season of the holy Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ fill our hearts with love, joy and forgiveness.