Difference between revisions of "Hymn"

From OrthodoxWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 4: Line 4:
 
The concept of songs of praise, or hymns, was known from the [[Old Testament]] era, particularly the [[Psalms]], as well as in the pagan world. The word ''hymn'' comes from the Greek ''hymnos'' through the Latin ''hymnus''. In Orthodox Christian practice hymns may first have appeared as songs of praise primarily to God and later were extended to praise of saints as well as of God through his saints.  
 
The concept of songs of praise, or hymns, was known from the [[Old Testament]] era, particularly the [[Psalms]], as well as in the pagan world. The word ''hymn'' comes from the Greek ''hymnos'' through the Latin ''hymnus''. In Orthodox Christian practice hymns may first have appeared as songs of praise primarily to God and later were extended to praise of saints as well as of God through his saints.  
  
Among the most noted Orthodox Christian composers of hymns are St. [[Joseph the Hymnographer]], St. [[Roman the Melodist|Romanos the Hymnographer]], and St. [[Ephrem the Syrian]]. There are many others who have composed hymns, including to modern times.
+
Among the most noted Orthodox Christian composers of hymns are St. [[Joseph the Hymnographer]], St. [[Kassiani the Hymnographer]], St. [[Roman the Melodist|Romanos the Hymnographer]], and St. [[Ephrem the Syrian]]. There are many others who have composed hymns, including to modern times.
  
 
[[Category:Hymnographers]]
 
[[Category:Hymnographers]]

Revision as of 21:35, January 23, 2011

This article or section is a stub (i.e., in need of additional material). You can help OrthodoxWiki by expanding it.

A hymn is a song of praise, adoration, or a prayer directed usually to some religiously significant figure. In Orthodox Christianity, the subject matter for hymns in addition to God includes the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. Writers of hymns are known under a number of terms: hymnographer, hymnist, and hymnodist.

The concept of songs of praise, or hymns, was known from the Old Testament era, particularly the Psalms, as well as in the pagan world. The word hymn comes from the Greek hymnos through the Latin hymnus. In Orthodox Christian practice hymns may first have appeared as songs of praise primarily to God and later were extended to praise of saints as well as of God through his saints.

Among the most noted Orthodox Christian composers of hymns are St. Joseph the Hymnographer, St. Kassiani the Hymnographer, St. Romanos the Hymnographer, and St. Ephrem the Syrian. There are many others who have composed hymns, including to modern times.