The Day of Resurrection

From Earth to Heavens Height

The Day of Resurrection is an Anthony G. Petti adaption of the John Mason Neale (1818–1866) translation of an 8th century Greek hymn by St. John of Damascus (c.676-c.749). The text is drawn from the first Ode of his "Golden Canon", traditionally sung with the lighting of the candles at the Easter Vigil. Also known as St. John Damascene, this Doctor of the Church is often referred to as the "Last of the Early Church Fathers". He is best known for his defence of the veneration of sacred images, statues and icons of which he wrote in On the Divine Images: "I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter; who worked out my salvation through matter. Never will I cease honoring the matter which wrought my salvation!" Neale's translation is set to the 1784 tune Ellacombe. In the Liturgy of the Hours, The Day of Resurrection is used at Easter.
 
Tune: Ellacombe

THE DAY OF RESURRECTION by John Mason Neale, 1853 (Public Domain)

1. The day of resurrection! Earth, spread the news abroad;
The Paschal feast of gladness, the Paschal feast of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth to heaven's height,
Our Savior Christ has brought us, the glorious Lord of Light.

2. Our hearts be free from evil, that we may see aright
The Savior resurrected in his eternal light,
And hear his message plainly, delivered calm and clear:
"Rejoice with me in triumph; Be glad and do not fear."

3. His love is everlasting; His mercies never cease;
The resurrected Savior, will all our joys increase.
He'll keep us in his favor, supply the holy grace
to all his pilgrim people who seek his heavenly place.

4. Now let the heavens be joyful, and earth the song begin.
The whole world keep high triumph, and all that is therein.
Let all things in creation their notes of gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen, our joy that hath no end.