Paradise in a Single Moment

Father Stephen Freeman writes, "During Holy Week, one of my favorite hymns in the Church is the Wise Thief (the Exapostelarion of Holy Friday). It recalls the thief, crucified on Christ’s right hand, who repents and finds paradise “in a single moment.” It demonstrates the fullness of God’s love who would take the repentance of a single moment and transform it into life eternal."

The Wise Thief didst Thou make worthy of Paradise,
in a single moment, O Lord.
By the wood of thy Cross illumine me as well, and save me

From here.