Phôs Hilaròn (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν) - Early Christian Greek hymn (Lyrics & Translations)

Описание: Chant: “Phos Hilaron” by The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter the Apostle & J Michael Thompson Director («Chant And Spirituality», ℗ 2005 Liturgical Press)

“Πάλιν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐλάλησε λέγων· ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου· ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ἐμοὶ οὐ μὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἕξει τὸ φῶς τῆς ζωῆς.” (‘Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me does not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’) – John 8:12

The “Phôs Hilaròn” (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν, in Koine Greek), also known in Latin as “Lumen Hilare” and in English as “O Gladsome Light”, is one of the oldest Christian hymns still in use today. This non-biblical hymn, written in Koine Greek, is first mentioned in the “Apostolic Constitutions”, a collection of ecclesiastical rules from the late 3rd or early 4th century. In his book ‘De Spiritu Sancto’, Saint Basil of Caesarea (329–379) mentions the cherished hymn of “Phôs Hilaròn”, which was sung during the lighting of torches, as already “old” in his time, suggesting it is one of the earliest hymns, predating some Scriptural canticles. Some scholars attribute the composition of this hymn to Saint Athenogenes, a bishop martyred around 305, who is said to have sung it as he went to his execution. However, this attribution remains uncertain.

In early Christianity, it was traditionally sung at the Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Night Prayer (Compline), which at that time were combined into a single service, called the ‘Lucernarium’ (“lamp-lighting”), an ancient liturgical rite symbolising the light of Christ dispelling darkness. This ceremony involved lighting candles in the church for both practical and symbolic reasons, and some included burning incense as a symbol of prayers ascending to Heaven. In fact, at that time, in Jerusalem, a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship, the hymn was sung and a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Rite of the Catholic Church have consistently observed this tradition of singing the "Phos Hilaron" during Vespers. This ancient hymn is sung daily during the entrance, just before the prokeimenon, preserving its traditional association to evening worship and its symbolism of light. The lyrics of the “Phôs Hilaròn” praise the serene light of the eternal glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and celebrates the transition from day to night, while acknowledging Christ as the true light that illuminates the world. Its importance in Christian tradition is significant, being one of the few ancient hymns still in liturgical use today. The original melody, as used by the Greek Orthodox Church on the original text, is considered taxing on the voice as it spans almost two octaves, with the voice peaking on the words “Heavenly” and “the Father”.

Song Source:    • Phos Hilaron  

Painting: “Architectural capriccio with the preaching of Saint Paul in the Areopagus of Athens”, by Alberto Carlieri (17th century)