Lessons from Great and Holy Friday Vespers

We see a strange and fearful mystery accomplished today.
He whom none may touch is seized.
He who looses Adam from the curse is bound.
He who tries the hearts of men is unjustly brought to trial.
He who closed the abyss is shut in prison.
He before whom the hosts of heaven stand with trembling stands before Pilate.
The Creator is struck by the hand of His creature.
He who comes to judge the living and the dead is condemned to the cross.
The Conqueror of hell is enclosed in a tomb.
O Thou, who hast endured all these things in Thy tender love,
Thou hast saved all men from the curse,
O long-suffering Lord, glory to Thee!