BackContentsNext

62

S. Stephen's Day

STICHERA AT VESPERS

7,6,7,6

Anatolius

tw Basilei kai Despoth.

The LORD and King of all things

But yesterday was born:

And Stephen's glorious offering

His birthtide shall adorn.

No pearls of orient splendour,

No jewels can he show;

But with his own true heart's-blood

His shining vestments glow.

Come, ye that love the Martyrs,

And pluck the flow'rs of song,

And weave them in a garland

For this our suppliant throng;

And cry,--O thou that shinest

In grace's brighest ray,

CHRIST's valiant Protomartyr,

For peace and favour pray!

63

Thou first of all Confessors,

Thou of all Deacons crown,

Of every following athlete

The glory and renown:

Make supplication, standing

Before CHRIST's Royal Throne,

That He would give the kingdom,

And for our sins atone!

64

STICHERA FOR CHRISTMAS-TIDE.

7,6,7,6

Anatolius

mega kai paradoxon Qauma.

A great and mighty wonder!

A full and holy cure!

The Virgin bears the Infant,

With Virgin-honour pure!

The Word becomes Incarnate,1

And yet remains on high:

And Cherubim sing anthems

To shepherds from the sky.

65

And we with them triumphant

Repeat the hymn again:

"To GOD on high be glory,

And peace on earth to men!"

While thus they sing your Monarch,

Those bright angelic bands,

Rejoice, ye vales and mountains!

Ye oceans, clap your hands!

Since all He comes to ransom,

By all be He adored,

The Infant born in Bethlehem,

The Saviour and the LORD!

And idol forms shall perish,

And error shall decay,

And CHRIST shall wield His sceptre,

Our LORD and GOD for aye.

[In Mr. Young's book. Melody of Christus der ist mein Leben. Harmony by M. Vulpius, 1609.]


1 Compare S. Thomas: Verbum supernum prodiens, Nec Patris linquens dexteram.

BackContentsNext


CCEL
This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library
at Calvin College. Last updated on July 30, 2001.
Contacting the CCEL.
Calvin seal: My heart I offer you O Lord, promptly and sincerely