Hymns of the Greek Church ‎#72

72. To depths of earth Thou didst descend

To depths of earth Thou didst descend,
O Christ, to break the chain
That held the sons of men enslaved,
And lead them forth again;
As Jonah left the living grave,
So cam’st Thou forth, O Christ, to save.

Unbroken were the seals when Thou
Didst leave the dismal tomb,
Even as the virgin bars remained
When Thou didst leave the womb;
And Thou hast ope’d the gates of heaven,
And entrance free to all is given.

O Thou, my Saviour and my God,
Who camest from above,
And gav’st Thyself for sinful men
An offering of love!
Now, rising from the grave, we see
Our human race arise with Thee.

Text Information

• First Line: To depths of earth Thou didst descend
• Title: To depths of earth Thou didst descend
• Author: St. John of Damascus
• Translator: John Brownlie
• Meter: 8,6,8,6,8,8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1900
• Source: Canon for Easter

Tune Information

(No tune information)