From a 4th century homily by St. John Chrysostom
Hell became overwhelmed when it encountered You below the ground; it was overwhelmed when it was deceived; it was overwhelmed because it was defeated; it was overwhelmed because it was destroyed.It thought it had taken a corpse, but it encountered God; it tried to capture earth and encountered heaven!It tried to seize the visible and was overcome by the invisible.
Death where is your sting?Hell, where is your victory?Christ is risen and you are thrown down; Christ is risen and the demons have been cast aside; Christ is risen and the angels joyfully praise; Christ is risen and Life is victorious; Christ is risen and the tombs have been emptied, for Christ indeed is the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power forever and ever.Amen.
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