He…descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
Ephesians 4:9
Words: John of Damascus, 8th Century (Κατήλθες έν τοίς κατωτάτοις). Translated from Greek to English by John M. Neale in Hymns of the Eastern Church (London: J. Harding, 1862).
Music: Morning Star James P. Harding, 1892 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Harding (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Into the dim earth’s lowest parts descending,
And bursting by Thy might the infernal chain
That bound the prisoners, Thou, at three days’ ending,
As Jonah from the whale, hast risen again.
Thou breakest not the seal, Thy surety’s token,
Arising from the tomb who left’st in birth
The portals of virginity unbroken,
Opening the gates of Heaven to sons of earth.
Thou, sacrifice ineffable and living,
Didst to the Father by Thyself atone
As God eternal: resurrection giving
To Adam, general parent, by Thine own.