John of Damascus is by far the most prominent and most poetical of all the Greek Christian poets. He dwelt for many years in his native city of Damascus, a valiant champion of orthodoxy against all comers. His influence on Greek hymnody was immense, and he is held in high esteem by the Greek Church for his work in that department, and as a theologian. The Octoechos, which contains the Ferial Office, was, it is said, arranged by John of Damascus. There his Canons are found, which are perhaps his greatest work in hymnody. John retired eventually to the monastery of Mar Saba, where he spent a life of devotion, and sang those Christian hymns which have cheered and inspired so many generations of Christians in the East. There he penned the ‘Golden Canon’ for Easter Day, which breathes the glorious hopes of the Resurrection.
Ὠδὴ Α′
ἀναστάσεως ἡμέρα λαμπρυνθῶμεν λαοί·
ὁ Εἱρμός
Hail the Resurrection day!
Let the people shout for gladness;
’Tis a passover of joy,—
Let us banish every sadness;
For, from death to endless life,
Christ our God His people bringeth;