# Easter Doxology

Source: https://coptic-lore-forge.lovable.app/wiki/easter-doxology — Coptic Orthodox Wiki (updated 2026-10-02)

The Easter Doxology celebrates Christ’s descent into Hades, His victory over death, and the joyful deliverance of His elect.[^1]

## Theme and content

The Easter Doxology, called the “Doxology of Easter” in *Understanding the Liturgy*, proclaims Christ’s victory over death and His descent into the lower parts of the earth. Its verses describe the fear of the gatekeepers of Hades, the breaking of its gates and bars, and the deliverance of Christ’s elect with joy.[^1]

## English text excerpt

*Understanding the Liturgy* quotes the following passage from the doxology:[^1]

> By His power He abolished death,  
> And made life to shine on us,  
> He Who descended to,  
> The lower parts of the earth.  
>  
> The gate-keepers of Hades,  
> Saw Him and were afraid,  
> He abolished the pangs of death,  
> And He was not held by it.  
>  
> He has broken the gates of brass,  
> And cut asunder the bars of Iron,  
> and brought out His elect,  
> With joy and rejoicing.[^1]

## Easter context

*Understanding the Liturgy* discusses the doxology alongside the resurrection drama enacted on Easter eve. It interprets that drama as a reminder of Christ’s descent into Hades, with the deacons representing angels who announce the entrance of the King of Glory, and identifies the doxology as another witness to the same teaching.[^2]

## Sources
[^1]: Understanding the Liturgy, Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 54)
[^2]: Understanding the Liturgy, Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 54)