Cherubikon
The Cherubikon, or Cherubic Hymn, is the troparion normally sung at the Great Entrance during the Byzantine liturgy. The hymn symbolically incorporates those present at the liturgy into the the presence of the angels gathered around God's throne.[1]
The Cherubikon is divided into two parts. The first is sung by the people before the celebrant begins the procession with the Gifts, and the second, immediately after the celebrant has completed the commemorations. The troparion begins as a solemn hymn:
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Greek Oι τα Χερουβίμ μυστικώς εικονίζοντες, kαι τη ζωοποιώ Τριάδι τον Τρισάγιον ύμνον προσάδοντες, πάσαν την βιωτικήν αποθώμεθα μέριμναν, ως τον βασιλέα των όλων υποδεξάμενοι, ταις αγγελικαίς αοράτως δορυφορούμενον τάξεσιν. Αλληλούϊα |
Transliteration I ta cherouvim mystikos eikonizondes, kai ti zopio triadhi ton trisaghion ymnon prosadhondes, pasan tin viotikin apothometha merimnan, os ton vasilea ton olon ypodhexameni, tais angelikais aoratos dhoryforoumenon taxesin. Allilouya |
English translation We who mystically represent the Cherubim, who sing to the Life-Giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn, let us now lay aside all earthly cares that we may receive the King of all, escorted invisibly by the angelic orders. Alleluia[2] |
The Cherubikon was added to the Divine Liturgy by the Emperor Justin II (565 - 578).[3] However, on Holy Thursday the Cherobikon is replaced by the troparion "At you mystical supper", and the celebration of Prote Anastasis (Holy Saturday) uses the troparion from the Liturgy of St. James, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". This alternate troparion is also used occasionally at the consecration of a church.[4]
Notes
- ^ Parry (1999), p. 117
- ^ Raya (1958), p. 82
- ^ F. E. Brightman, Liturgies Eastern and Western (Oxford University Press, 1965), p. 532.
- ^ Parry (1999), p. 117
References
- Parry, Ken (1999). The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA.: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0-631-23203-6.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Raya, Joseph (1958). Byzantine Liturgy. Tournai, Belgium: Societe Saint Jean l'Evangelist, Desclee & Cie.
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External links
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