HAIL THEE, FESTIVAL DAY!

A HYMN FOR EASTER SUNDAY

by Venantius Fortunatus, 6^th C.

Hail thee, festival day!

Blest day that art hallowed forever;

day wherein Christ arose,

breaking the kingdom of death.

All the fair beauty of earth,

From the death of the winter arising!

Every good gift of the year

Now with its Master returns.

Rise from the grave now, O Lord,

The author of life and creation.

Treading the pathway of death,

New life you give to us all.

God the Almighty, the Lord,

The Ruler of earth and the heavens,

Guard us from harm without;

Cleanse us from evil within.

Jesus the health of the world,

Enlighten our minds, great Redeemer,

Son of the Father supreme,

Only begotten of God.