Phos Hilaron

We did a really cool reading in church this morning - the Phos Hilaron. It is one of the oldest known songs of the Church - it is from the 2nd century AD. At site where Jesus was buried and rose again, they built a church, the Church of the Resurrection. In the tomb where Jesus was buried, they kept a lantern burning at all times. When the early Christians gathered to worship, they would take the light out and sing the hymn, "Phos Hilaron," together:

"Hail Gladdening Light of His pure glory poured, Who is the Immortal Father, Heavenly Blest. Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Now we are come to the suns hour of rest, the lights of evening ‘round us shine, we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine. Worthiest art Thou, at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue, Son of our God, giver of life alone. Therefore, in all the world Thy glories Lord, Thine own."