Friday, April 10, 2015

"Let all mortal flesh keep silent..."


Christ descending to Hades to free the dead from all time (source)
  
Let all mortal flesh keep silent and in fear and trembling stand, pondering nothing earthly-minded. For the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords comes to be slain, to give himself as food to the faithful. Before him go the ranks of angels: all the principalities and powers, the many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim, covering their faces, singing the hymn: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, Great and Holy Saturday***
(source)
  
***Note: This ancient hymn is also chanted during the Divine Liturgy of St. James, and during the Divine Liturgy at the Consecration of a Church. However, it is perfectly suited to be chanted on Great and Holy Saturday (see here for more info).
  
The Body of Christ offered on the Holy Altar (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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