Vespers of Great and Holy Saturday

When You, the Redeemer of all, were placed in a tomb

all Hell’s powers quaked in fear.

Its bars were broken, its gates were smashed.

Its mighty reign was brought to an end, 

for the dead came forth alive from their tombs,

casting off the bonds of their captivity.

Adam was filled with joy!

He gratefully cried out to You, O Christ://

“Glory to Your condescension, O Lover of man!”