| Description |
“Hymn Epilychnios” one of the oldest text samples of Eastern Orthodox Church rituals was set by the composer at the beginning of his carrier as a 4-part choral piece, “Phos Ilaron” op.1. Hymn Epilychnios is an ancient Christian Hymn originally written in Hellenistic Greek. It is the earliest known Christian hymn, recorded outside of the Bible, that is still being used today. The hymn is featured in the Vespers of the Orthodox Church. Now this work op.80 stands as a special commission by Thomas Tamvakos Greek Composers’ Archive and dedicated to the artists of the premier performance Nikos Spanatis, counter-tenor and Christina Antoniadou, organ soloist (organist at the Anglican Church in Athens) who both made a recording of the piece for an upcoming cd.
Text:
"O Light gladsome of the holy glory of the immortal Father,
heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ.
Now we have come to the setting of the sun
and behold the light of evening.
We praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
For it is right at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise,
O Son of God and Giver of Life,
therefore all the world glorifies Thee!" |