Blood of Martyrs; The Seed Of The Church

I have cried to Thee, O Lord hear my prayer

In anguish I pray for my brothers and sisters in a land far off

Mothers in agony for their babes, as Rachel weeps once more

Father's lives snuffed out like lamps in the night on a tyrant God's altar

As the Babylonians slew Thy children

So the Gentiles now endure the sword

As the Egyptians once enslaved Thy children,

So Thy people now carry heavy yokes

As Abel's blood cried out to Thee

So now the martyrs too will call

As the Israelite youths in the furnace O Lord

By Thy hand guide Thy children through the fire

Precious lives, little icons of Christ

Thrown to the floor as trash

Like the iconoclasts of old

Seeking to destroy the holy, sacred gems

Hearts and lips hold dear Thy name

O Lover of mankind

To death they run with open arms

Seeking Thy pure embrace

O Martyrs, thy blood is the gate of life!

O Martyrs, thy blood is the crown of victory!

O Martyrs, thy blood is the glory of the nations!

O Martyrs, thy blood is the seed of the Church!

O ye, little Christs, receive ye thy reward

Thou good and faithful servants;

Stewards of life eternal

For 40 days we fasted

For 40 days we feast

40 days of ringing true

God's glorious resurrection!

40 days or more of blood

Eternity of just reward

Through blood, life was given

Through blood, a sacrifice made

Through blood is life eternal

Through blood we share this cup

The cup of salvation

Let us sing once more the joyous hymn of praise;

That which we sing for 40 days.

That Paschal anthem which culminates the

Climactic meaning beheld in this life

And in the destruction of death's hold!

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death

And upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death

And upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death

And upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!

O Death, where is your sting?

O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen and you are overthrown!

Christ is risen and the demons are fallen!

Christ is risen and the angels rejoice!

Christ is risen and life reigns!

Christ is risen and not one dead remains in a tomb!

For Christ being raised from the dead has become the First-fruits

of them that slept

To Him be glory and might unto ages of ages. Amen.