Hymns of the Greek Church Part 7

Come ye people, come adore Him, G.o.d in Holy Trinity; G.o.d the Father, Son, and Spirit, Ever Blessed Unity.

II

Thine the glory, G.o.d Almighty, To the Son and Spirit given, Ere upon the world's creation Dawned the new-born light of heaven.

III

Holy, holy, we adore Thee, One in power, in nature one; G.o.d the Father, G.o.d the Spirit, G.o.d the Co-Eternal Son.

IV

By the Son the wide creation Rose where chaos held its sway; By the Spirit, G.o.d Almighty Swept eternal night away.

V

Son, the Father's love revealing, Son, through whom the Spirit came, Blessed G.o.dhead! endless glory Be to Thine exalted name.

{hotan elthes ho theos epi ges}

({kontakion echos a'})

I

When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Wrapt in Thy glory bright, Then shall the earth in terror quake, The sun withhold his light.

II

When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then to Thy judgment-bar, Even as a mighty stream, shall flow The sons of men from far.

III

When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then shall the books be spread, And from their secrets Thou shalt judge The living and the dead.

IV

When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then save me by Thy power, Let not the flames of wrath o'ertake Thy servant in that hour.

V

When Thou shalt come, O Lord, In mercy let me stand-- No guilt upon my conscience laid-- Approved, at Thy right hand.

CANON FOR EASTER DAY BY ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS

ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS

John of Damascus is by far the most prominent and most poetical of all the Greek Christian poets. He dwelt for many years in his native city of Damascus, a valiant champion of orthodoxy against all comers. His influence on Greek hymnody was immense, and he is held in high esteem by the Greek Church for his work in that department, and as a theologian.

The _Octoechos_, which contains the Ferial Office, was, it is said, arranged by John of Damascus. There his Canons are found, which are perhaps his greatest work in hymnody. John retired eventually to the monastery of Mar Saba, where he spent a life of devotion, and sang those Christian hymns which have cheered and inspired so many generations of Christians in the East. There he penned the 'Golden Canon' for Easter Day, which breathes the glorious hopes of the Resurrection.

{ode A'}

{anastaseos hemera lamprynthomen laoi;}

{ho Heirmos}

Hail the Resurrection day!

Let the people shout for gladness; 'Tis a pa.s.sover of joy,-- Let us banish every sadness; For, from death to endless life, Christ our G.o.d His people bringeth; As from earth to heaven we rise, Each his song of triumph singeth.

{troparion}

From our eyes the veil remove, That we may, in light transcending, See the risen Lord of Life, Life to all in grace extending.

Let our ears His voice perceive; To His accents kind attending, We would hear 'All hail!' and sing, Every voice in triumph blending.

Let the heavens above rejoice, Let the earth take up the measure; All the world, and all therein, Join the festival of pleasure; All things visible unite With invisible in singing; For the Christ is risen indeed, Everlasting gladness bringing.

{ode G'}

{Deute poma piomen kainon}

{ho Heirmos}

Come, let us drink the water new, Not from the rock divinely springing, But from that pure immortal stream That from His tomb our Lord is bringing.

{troparion}

All things in earth and heaven above Are filled with light that s.h.i.+nes supernal; So all creation keeps this feast, For He hath risen, the King eternal.

With Thee, O Christ, I lay entombed, Ere light upon this day was falling; With Thee I leave death's dark abode, For Thou hast risen, and Thou art calling.

With Thee upon the Cross I hung When Thou wast faint, and weak, and sighing; Lord, with Thyself Thy servant bless, In Thy bright realm through years undying.