Easter Doxology
The Easter Doxology celebrates Christ’s descent into Hades, His victory over death, and the joyful deliverance of His elect.[^1]
Also known as: Doxology of Easter · Resurrection Doxology
Structured reference
Hymn details
- English title / meaning
- Doxology of Easter
- Occasion / season / rite
- Easter.[^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
References
Sources
- 1.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 54)
The Doxology of Easter also testifies to this dogma. 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.
- 2.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 54)
The resurrection drama, enacted on Easter eve is a reminder to us of Christ’s descent into Hades. Here, the deacons take the part of the angels going before the face of Christ, crying out to the gate-keepers of Hell, “Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be lifted up, O ye eternal gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in” (Ps 23:7-8). The Doxology of Easter also testifies to this dogma.
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This article was drafted from the sources listed above with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor before publication.