The hymnody of the Greek Orthodox Church has been handed down through the ages in a complete form, consisting of thousands of texts that include Psalms, prayers, praises, poems, sermons, and histories. The language of these texts in their original Greek, is of a very high literary quality containing much poetic description, imagery, and power. These carefully constructed texts are accompanied by a specifically-formulated musical system for their oral expression by appointed chanters and choirs of the Church who lead the congregation in hymn singing and responses. Today, these chanters and choirs include both the formally trained and ordained, and musical volunteers from the laity who may be untrained in the rubrics of Orthodox hymnody. For these chanters and choirs with lesser training, this website offers resources, educational essays, and a selection of frequently used hymns in the Divine Liturgy and other services both in Greek and in English. There are many English translations elsewhere, but many fail to transmit the poetry and power of their Greek counterparts, nor are many metered properly to the model melodies of the Church, which makes it impossible to chant them in the prescribed manner. The English versions on this website try to correct these problems and make the English as understandable, poetic, and easy to convey as possible.
(Free Sheet Music)
Unless otherwise noted all music is offered in both Greek and modern English. In books and booklets, the two languages are side-by-side. For individual hymns, the Greek is on the first page and the English on the second page. Scroll down to the second page to see the English version.
When printing PDF files, page scaling should be set to "none," especially for booklets.
Scroll down on the left-hand column of this page for use policy and important technical information.
INFORMATIVE ARTICLES FOR DOWNLOADING:
WHAT TO SING ON SUNDAY (TYPIKON)
This is an Excel spreadsheet showing what changeable hymns to sing in the Divine Liturgy on each day if it falls on a Sunday. It covers the fixed feasts of the Menaion and the moveable feasts of the Triodion and Pentecostarion. All you have to know is the date and if there is a moveable feast on that day. If there is a moveable feast, just look it up in the Triodion or Pentecostarion section and combine it with the date to determine the the hymns of the day. If there is no moveable feast then you only have to take note of the hymns for that day. It doesn't replace a full typikon, but it can be very useful in most cases. For those who do not have Excel or do not know how to use spreadsheets, you may use the
SUNDAY TYPIKON - PDF VERSION
This can be viewed on Adobe Reader or it could be printed out on 11x17 paper and would require 11 sheets.
WHAT ORTHODOX CHOIRS SHOULD KNOW
Practical information for members of Orthodox lay choirs about how to prepare themselves for service to the Church.
WORSHIP SERVICES OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
A basic list of the services of the Church with descriptions of the more important services.
HYMNOLOGY Q & A
A brief article by Nancy Takis answering some basic questions about Orthodox Hymnology. Very useful information.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CORRECT IN ORTHODOX CHURCH MUSIC?
An article by Nancy Takis presented in the Byzantine Echo, the newsletter of the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.
SUGGESTIONS FOR TRANSLATING HYMNS TO ENGLISH
This article gives insight on how we translate Greek hymns into English for this website. It is an essential guide for anyone who wishes to carry on this important work.
THE NEED TO RETURN TO TRADITIONAL MUSIC
An article from The Epistle, the newsletter of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, written by Father Anthony Cook, associate priest, on the occasion of Church Music Sunday 2007. It explains the importance of moving away from Western polyphonic choral music and into the direction of traditional chant.
BYZANTINE MUSIC THEORY FOR WESTERN MUSICIANS
A 7-page essay by Stan Takis giving rudimentary information about Byzantine music. This is intended for people who know something about music theory.
ENGLISH TEXT AND BYZANTINE CHANT: SOME PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
Nancy Takis' presentation at the Axion Estin Conference on Byzantine Chant, New Rochelle, NY, January 21, 2006
BYZANTINE MUSIC FOR AN ORTHODOX AMERICA
A short article published in 1994 by The Burning Bush, news-letter of the Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI.
ON CHANT AND POLYPHONY
A brief article on the roles of chant and polyphony in the liturgical services of the Orthodox Church by Stan Takis.
MUSIC AND ORTHODOXY
By Father Michael Varlamos. A priest's perspective, explaining why he feels simple chant should replace complex, polyphonic music in the Greek Orthodox churches of America.
THE ORTHROS BOOK OF NICHOLAS ROUBANIS
This 300-page, handwritten manuscript has been out of print for years. We offer it here as an aid to chanters and their training. It contains all of the music for the Sunday Resurrectional Orthros service in Western staff notation, in Greek with English phonetics.
HOLY WEEK BOOK OF J. SAKELLARIDES
This 386-page book is out of print and copies are very rare. It contains all of the music for Holy Week in Greek and Western staff notation.
READING PSALMODIA
The late David Melling's booklet on Byzantine music theory and reading Byzantine notation. Provided as a service to those who are having difficulty finding the original website.
A GUIDE TO THE MUSIC OF THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH
This is a Romanian textbook translated and edited by Fr. Nicholas Apostola. It teaches Byzantine music and notation through comparative examples in Western staff notation.
THE MNEMONIC VERSES - A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO THE BYZANTINE TONES
By Jessica Suchy- Pilalis. A four-page primer on the music theory of the Byzantine Octoechos taught through the medium of some short and clever mnemonic melodies. This is a very easy way to be introduced to the Tones and their modes.
ABOUT VESPERS
An educational look at the order and music of the Orthodox Vespers service. For a look at the entire Vespers service of July 22, 2007, as celebrated at the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians convention, here for the booklet that was used by the congregation.
To read the service booklet and listen to MP3 files of the Vespers service of the 2008 convention, click here.
TONE VS. MODE
A discussion of the translation of echos and Octoechos.
BYZANTINE OCTOECHOS CHART
A one-page chart that explains the most common characteristics of the eight Byzantine tones for those who were trained in Western music and want to recognize or understand the Byzantine theore of music.
BYZANTINE THEATER AND RITUAL
A well-researched and documented doctoral thesis written by Andrew Walker White which contains a considerable amount of information and history concerning the music of the Orthodox Church. Well worth reading!
MEGA THEORETIKON BY CHRYSTANTHOS
We used to have this volume online, but it has recently been updated by the author, Dr. Katy Romanou, and published by the Axion Estin Foundation. The link above is to their contact page. If you would like a copy of the book, please write a request to them. This book is an English translation of the seminal work of one of the Three Teachers which explains Byzantine musical theory as it is applied in the modern era. (Since 1832.) It also has a wonderful history of Chrysanthos and the Byzantine music of his era and before.
THE HYMNOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF HOLY COMMUNION
This interesting article by Gerasimos Koutsouras was taken from PHRONEMA, Vol. 21, 2006, the official annual review of St. Andrew's Theological Seminary, Sidney, Australia. Opinions are those of the author. It contains a very useful chart of the text of all the Communion hymns with their days and sources.
VIDEO EXPLAINING BASICS OF BYZANTINE MUSIC
Stan Takis' presentation for the 2005 National Forum Summer Church Music Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts.
NOTES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Most music on this website is chant. Chant follows the rhythm of the text, and thus there are frequent meter changes. For more information read: METERING CHURCH MUSIC
SPECIAL NOTE TO THOSE WHO DOWNLOAD MUSIC FROM THIS WEBSITE:
I am constantly adding, updating, and correcting music files. SInce I am responsible for entering the music in a computer to create these files, and for maintaining this website, I occasionally make typographic and formulaic errors. We prefer that the latest versions with corrections should be used by Church chanters and choirs, so if you have downloaded music in the past, and something does not seem right, please check for updated versions and replace the old ones.
Thank you.
--STAN TAKIS, takistan@yahoo.com
MESSAGE BOARD:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greekorthodoxmusic
TO DOWNLOAD MUSIC:
Click on the title of the hymn using the RIGHT mouse button and select the option: Save Target as... Click on the hymn with the left mouse button if you want to see it displayed in Adobe Reader, from which you can print or save it.. Zipped files will have to be downloaded and unzipped before they can be read or printed out . Sometimes the online display is a little fuzzy and does not depict the actual high quality of resolution when printed on paper.
USE POLICY:
Visitors to this website are hereby given permission to download our copyrighted music and reproduce as many copies as they need, as long as they do not alter the English texts and their melodic lines. Furthermore, permission is given to make arrangements of this music as long as the English texts and their melodic lines remain intact, and that "N. Takis" is accredited for the English setting, and the copyright information for Nancy Chalker Takis is given on the first page of the arrangement alongside any other copyrights on the arrangement. If you wish to suggest changes or corrections in the text or melodic lines, please contact us at takistan@yahoo.com and we will respond. If you wish to donate to the perpetuation of this website, you can contribute at the address below on this page.
Attention Users of Apple Computers:
The Mac OS X Preview program will not read some PDF files made by Windows machines. If your downloads don't read correctly, get the Adobe Reader for Macintosh. You can download it at adobe.com.
PRINTING FROM ADOBE READER - SPECIAL NOTE:
When you print a hard copy from Adobe Reader, please be sure that the "Page Scaling" setting is "None." If not, your document may be reduced in size and the margins widened. It should not be necessary to shrink these files.
FOR THOSE OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA - INTERNATIONAL PAPER SIZES:
The documents on this websited are formatted for standard American paper sizes, that is, 8.5 x 11 inches (letter-size) and 8.5 x 14 inches (legal-size). If you are printing a document letter-sized paper (most hymns), use the international A4 printer setting. For legal-sized documents, (most booklets) use B4. NOTE: Using A4 and B4 will cause a wider margin at the top and bottom of the pages.
ABOUT NEW BYZANTINE CHANT
Chant is a form of purely vocal music that serves a written text. The words are intoned using a limited scale, and melodic formulas are used to emphasize certain words and syllables. In chant, the music is shaped by the text, as opposed to song, in which the music takes a fixed melody and has equal or greater artistic importance than the text.
The purest form of chant is monophonic, that is, there is a single melodic line. Byzantine chant is often duophonic, having a melodic line accompanied by a lower droned note which enforces the base tonality of the mode. A melodic line could be harmonized with chords and still be considered chant, provided that the text remains dominant and the harmonies are homophonic and do not distract from the flow of the words. This would preclude the use of contrapuntal polyphony and complicated chord structures.
There is a certain style (or iphos) associated with Byzantine chant. This style has a unique vocal character and includes much ornamentation and precise microtunings of scales. The iphos is generally employed by chanters trained in the art of Byzantine music.
The music of this web page is aimed primarily for the use of lay choirs and congregations. We call it "New Byzantine Chant" because, while it is based upon Byzantine music theory, it can be chanted in a Western vocal style in English by lay choirs and congregations using the modern even-tempered scale. Congregational chanting is becoming a more important part of Greek Orthodox worship, and represents a return to an ancient Christian practice.
ABOUT US
New Byzantium Publications provides music for use in Orthodox Christian churches, primarily churches that use both Greek and English in their services. The main goal is to offer ecclesiastical music in English put in common staff notation that is accurately translated, poetic, close to the rules of Byzantine Chant, and can alternate easily with the traditional Greek versions.
The music in English available on this site is written primarily by Nancy Chalker Takis, a hierarchically-blessed chanter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and holder of the Patriarch Athenagoras medal for notable service to her metropolis. She has been given approval to translate Church hymns from three consecutive hierarchs of the Metropolis (formerly Diocese) of Detroit. She currently chants regularly in the parishes of Assumption Church in Flint, Michigan and Annunciation Church in Muskegon, Michigan, and other parishes when called upon. Greek versions of these hymns are provided as a service for choirs which alternate Greek and English texts and are from various sources, some traditional, some original, and also some from composers of the past.
The music here has melodic lines and ison parts written out. It follows the melodic rules and formulas of Byzantine chant, but does not include all of the traditional ornaments. It can be used by chanters, choirs, and congregations. Some of the music is from the hymnal of John Sakellarides, whose melodies remain popular in America today. A few pieces are in 3 or 4-part SAB/SATB choir arrangements. The English text has been treated in a way that respects the placement of the accented syllables of the language, as one finds in traditional Greek church music. There is no awkward English in these arrangements.
Stan Takis, the owner and operator of this website and who is responsible for the typesetting of the music, has also set several hymns to English on this site, under the tutelage of his wife Nancy Takis. He is a life-long educator and an experienced choir director both in Greek Orthodox churches and in the public schools. He is currently the Minister of Music and choir director at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He also holds the Athenagoras medal for service to his metropolis.
All files are in .pdf format. You must have Adobe Reader to read or print them. (This is a free download on the Internet. If you don't have it, go to Adobe.com and select downloads.)
Call us or send e-mail any time you like. You can also send comments and donations to the following address:
Stan and Nancy Takis
1900 Burkley Rd.
Williamston, MI 48895-9755
Phone: (517) 980-3830
E-mail: takistan@yahoo.com
THE GREAT PROKEIMENON: Tis Theos Meghas / Who Is So Great a God? MIDI
VESPERS
Kyrie Ekekraxa / Lord I Have Cried Out (Psalms 140-141):
Tone 1 Tone 2 Tone 3 Tone 4
Plagal Tone 1 Plagal Tone 2 Grave Tone Plagal Tone 4
Fos Ilaron / O Joyful Light (Sakellariedes) - Chant Version
Fos Ilaron / O Joyful Light - Harmonized Version GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
ORTHROS
Sunday Orthros Ordinary
The book contains the standard text and music in English (and some Greek) of the Sunday Resurrection Orthros service. It has the parts of the Orthros which normally do not change from week to week with explicit instructions on how to construct the service based upon the tone of the week and the proper hymns of the feast. The book serves not only as a practical resource for chanting Sunday Orthros, but also as an Orthros instruction manual. If this book is printed with two-sided sheets, make sure the even-numbered pages are on the left and the odd-numbered pages are on the right, like a standard printed book, so that hymns can be inserted between the proper pages.
The Greek Anastasimatarion of Nicholas Roubanis
The proper hymns for Sunday Orthros in all eight tones, including Alleluia, Theos Kyrios, Aplytikia, Kathismata, Anavathmoi,Katavasias, Megalynaria, Exaposteliaria, Ainoi, Eothina Doxastica, and Great Doloxogies, all in Greek and in staff notation.
Great Doxology in the Third Tone, Greek and English
Great Doxology in the Plagal First Tone, Sticheraric: Greek Version English Version
Great Doxology in the Plagal Second Tone for Holy Saturday (Friday night) Greek only
THE DIVINE LITURGY
The Complete Divine Liturgy Book for Choirs and Chanters, Fifth Edition
This book contains both the major (Plagal Fourth Tone) and minor (Plagal First Tone and First Tone) liturgy settings, the Resurrectional apolytikia, the substitutions for the Trisagion, four Cherubic hymns, the megalynarion of the Liturgy of St. Basil, the memorial service, the artoklasia, and music for the hierarchical Divine Liturgy--all in one resource.
The Divine Liturgy Congregational Pew Book and Hymnal Hymnal Version (music only)
This pew book correllates to the Divine Liturgy book above. It contains the text of the Divine Liturgy in one section, then in another section contains a hymnal which has all of the music.
The Divine Liturgy in Three-Part Harmony in Greek and Modern English
For those choirs who prefer to chant harmonized music, this liturgy is an attempt to offer it in simple three-part harmony while staying as close to the modal system as possible.
The Divine Liturgy of our Father Among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Greek and Renaissance English in 3-part harmony and chant
MP3 PAGE: Listen to and download mp3's of this liturgy
This is the original liturgy created for the web site. It was developed for the choir of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Flint, Michigan in 2002. It is a combination of 3-part harmony and 2-part chant. It is in Greek and English with easy switching between languages.
NOTE: When we made this liturgy, we were using Renaissance English (with Thees and Thous, etc.). We have left it in this form because many people still use this version. All other music on this website uses modern English.
Music for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
In English with some Greek.
DIVINE LITURGY HYMN SUBSTITUTIONS:
Trisagion Hymn for Hierarchical Liturgies with Tou Vimatos
Osi is Christon / As many of you as have been baptized MIDI
Ton Stavron Sou / Before your Cross MIDI
The 8 Sunday Resurrectional Apolytikia ZIPPED MIDI FILES
Kontakion: Prostasia ton Christianon / O Protection of Christians
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Epi si cheri / In you rejoices (Sakellarides melody)
Epi si cheri / In you rejoices (Plagal 4 melody from Anthimos) MIDI
The Memorial Service (Mnemosino)
THE MENAION
(FIXED FEASTS OF THE MONTHS)
For dates of specific saints and minor feasts, CLICK HERE.
MAJOR FEASTS OF THE MENAION:
NOTE: The last day a festal kontakion is sung is the last day (leave-taking) of the feast, on which day the apolytikion of the feast, and sometimes the megalynarion and Communion
hymn as well, are chanted. Check the Typikon for details.
September 1 - The New Ecclesiastical Year
Apolytikion - O Pasis dimiourghos / As Creator of the universe
For the apolytikion of the Theotokos of Miasena, see the Saints page
For the apolytikion of St. Symeon, see the Saints page
Kontakion: O ton eonon piitis / As the Creator of the ages
Communion: Evloghison ton stefanon / Bless the crown
September 8 - The Nativity of the Theotokos
(Sunday Kontakion: Aug. 24 - 30, Sept. 2-6, 8-12)
Forefeast Apolytikion ( Sept. 7) - Ek tis risis Iessi / From the root of Jesse's tree
Forefeast Kontakion ( Sept. 7) - I Parthenos simeron...Maria / On this day the Virgin...Mary
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Nativity of the Theotokos
Apolytikion: I yennisis sou Theotoke / Your birth, O Theotokos MIDI
Kontakion: Ioakim ke Anna / Joachim and Anna GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Allotrion ton miteron / How strange it is GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion for feasts of the Theotokos: Potirion sotiriou / I will take the cup of salvation MIDI
September 14 and 3rd Sunday of Lent - The Elevation of the Holy Cross
(Sunday Kontakion: Sept. 14-21)
Forefeast Apolytikion ( Sept. 13) - Ton zoopion Stavron / We bring before You
Forefeast Kontakion ( Sept. 13) - Ouranos polyfotos / As the Church has shown herself
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Holy Cross
Apolytikion: Soson Kyrie / O Lord, save your people GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: O ipsothis en to Stavro / By your own will upon the Cross GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Ton Stavron Sou / Before your Cross
Megalynarion: Mistikos i Theotoke / Theotokos, O Mystical Paradise GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Megalynarion for the Last Day of the Feast (Sep. 21): O Dhia Vroseos /Today the death ENG MIDI
Communion: Esimiothi ef imas / Lord, lift up the light MIDI
October 11 to 17 - Sunday of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
Apolytikion: Iperdhedhoxasmenos / You are glorified above all
October 28 - The Protecting Veil of the Theotokos
Troparion: Tis Skepis sou / With hymns we praise the graces
Kontakion: Osper nefeli / Just like the shadow of a cloud
Megalynarion: Angeli tin Skepin / Angels praise the Veil
Communion for feasts of the Theotokos: Potirion sotiriou / I will take the cup of salvation MIDI
November 8 - Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and other Bodiless Powers
Apolytikion: Ton ouranion stration / We come before you GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: O piion Angelous aftou / He makes His Angels spirits MIDI
November 21 - The Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple
(Sunday Kontakion: Nov. 8-19, 21-25)
Forefeast Apolytikion (Nov. 20) : Charan promnistevete / By blossoming forth
Forefeast Kontakion (Nov.20); Effrosinis Simeron /On this day the universe
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Nativity of the Theotokos
Apolytikion: Simero tis evdhokias / Today is the foreshadowing GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: O katharotatos / The Purest Temple GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Angeli tin isodhon / Beholding the presentation
Communion for feasts of the Theotokos: Potirion sotiriou / I will take the cup of salvation MIDI
December 25 - The Nativity of Christ (Christmas)
(Sunday Kontakion: Forefeast--Nov. 26-Dec.24, Feast--Dec. 25-31)
Apolytikion-Sunday before Nativiy (Dec. 18-24): Megala ta tis pisteos/Great are the accomplishments
Forefeast Apolytikion (Dec. 20-23): Etimazou Vithleem / O Bethlehem MIDI
Forefeast Kontakion: I Parthenos simeron / On this day the Virgin Comes MIDI
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Nativity of Christ
Apolytikion: I yennisis sou, Christe / Your birth, O Christ GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: I Parthenos simeron / On this day the Virgin Bears MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Osi is Christon / As many of you
Megalynarion: Meghalion psychi mou / O Magnify My Soul GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: Litrosin / The Lord has sent redemption MIDI
Communion Hymn by Tschesnokov, known as "Salvation is Created"- in Greek
First Katavasias from Ode 1 of the Canon: Christos Ghennate / Christ is Born
Apolytikion of Sunday after Nativity (Dec. 26-31): Evangelizou Iosif / Proclaim, O Joseph
January 1 - The Circumcision of Christ and the Feast of St. Basil the Great
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Circumcision of Our Lord
Apolytikion: Morfin analliotos / You Took On Human Form GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Apolytikion for St. Basil: Is pasan tin ghin / The sound of your teaching
Kontakion: O ton olon Kyrios / On this day the Lord of all
Megalynarion of the St. Basil Liturgy: Epi Si Cheri / In You Rejoices
Megalynarion for St. Basil: Ton ouranofandora / He is Christ's revealer (short version)
Megalynarion for St. Basil: Ton ouranofandora / He is Christ's revealer (melismatic version)
January 6 - Epiphany (Theophany)
(Sunday Kontakion: Forefeast--Jan. 2-5, Feast--Jan. 6-14)
Forefeast Apolytikion (Jan. 2-4) - Etimazou Zavoulon / Be prepared, O Zabulon
Forefeast Kontakion: En tis rithris / On this day upon the streams
Eve of Theophany Apolytikion (Jan. 5) - Apestrefeto pote / River Jordan at one time stopped
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for Epiphany (Theophany)
Apolytikion: En Iordhani / When You were baptized GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Epefanis simeron / You have shown Yourself today GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Osi is Christon / As many of you
Megalynarion: Megalyon psychi mou / O Magnify My Soul GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
On Sundays and Mondays the megalynarion is Epi si cheri / In you rejoices
Megalynarion of the Leave-taking (January 7 & 14): O ton iper noun / Bride who are most pure
Communion: Epefani i Charis / The Grace of God MIDI
February 2 - The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
(Sunday Kontakion: Jan. 15-31, Feb. 2-9)
Forefeast Apolytikion ( Feb. 1) - Ouranios choros / A heavenly chorus
Forefeast Kontakion ( Feb. 1) - Os angalas simeron / O you faithful
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Apolytikion: Chere kecharitomeni / Hail to You who are full of grace GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion: O Mitran Parthenikiin / Through Your Birth, O Christ ENG MIDI
Megalynarion: Theotoke i elpis / Theotokos, as the hope
Communion for feasts of the Theotokos: Potirion sotiriou / I will take the cup of salvation MIDI
Ninth Ode of the Orthros Canon, in English, Third Tone (Harmonized Version here)
March 25 - The Annunciation
(Sunday Kontakion: First Five Sundays of Lent)
Forefeast Apolytikion ( March 24) - Simeron tis pangosmiou / Today is the prelude
Forefeast Kontakion ( March 24) - Epelifsi Pnevmatos / By the presentation
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Annunciation
Apolytikion: Simeron tis sotiriou / Today is the beginning GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Ti ipermaho / Mighty Defender GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Evangelizou ghi charan/ Announce the tidings GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: Exelexato Kyrios tin Sion / For the Lord has Chosen Zion MIDI
First Sunday of June
Troparion of the Second Ecumenical Council in Greek and English
July 13 to 19 - Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council
Apolytikion: Iperdhedhoxasmenos / You are glorified above all
August 1 to 14 - SMALL PARAKLESIS
Music in English For Chanters or Choir
Text Booklet in Greek and English for Congregation
Text Booklet formatted for letter-sized paper
August 6 - The Transfiguration of Christ
(Sunday Kontakion: July 27-Aug.4, 6-13)
Forefeast Apolytikion (Aug. 5): Christou tin Metamorphosin / Let us come forth
Forefeast Kontakion (Aug. 5): En ti Thia Simeron / On this day by God's
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Transfiguration of Our Lord
Apolytikion: Metemorfothis en to ori Christe / You were transfigured GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion: Epi tou orous metemorfothis / On the mountain GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Nin ta anikousta / Now has been heard what was unheard of
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion of the Leavetaking (August 13): O tokos sou / You gave birth
Communion: En to foti tis dhoxis / We shall walk MIDI
August 15 - The Dormition (Assumption) of the Theotokos
(Sunday Kontakion: Aug. 15-24)
Forefeast Apolytikion (Aug. 14): Lai proskirtisate / Spring up, O people
Forefeast Kontakion (Aug.14): Ti endhoxo mnimi sou / At your glorious memory
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Dormition of the Theotokos
Apolytikion: En ti yennisi / In giving birth GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Tin en presvies akimeton / The Theotokos, ever watchful GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Megalynarion: E yenai pase / Every generation calls you blessed GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Communion for feasts of the Theotokos: Potirion sotiriou / I will take the cup of salvation MIDI
Lamentations (Engomia) of the Dormition of the Theotokos
(Modern English Text with music) Click HERE for text version only.
A metered translation that fits with any existing Greek melody.
FEASTS OF THE SAINTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT COMMEMORATIONS
Click here for a special page of apolytkia and Communion hymns
for other days of the Menaion (Saints and commemorations)
THE TRIODION
(MOVABLE FEASTS OF THE THREE-ODE PERIOD)
Saturdays of the Souls
Apolytikion of the 1st Saturday of the Souls: O Vathi Sofias / From the Depths of Your Wisdom
Apolytikion of the 2nd Saturday of the Souls: O Theos ton Patera imon / O God of our fathers
Saturday of the Souls Communion Hymn: Makarii ous exelexo / Blessed are they
Pre-Lenten Kontakia
Kontakion of the Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican, Greek & English GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion of the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Greek & English GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion of the Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare), Greek & Eng. GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion of the Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare), Greek & English GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
The Akathist (Salutations to the Theotokos)
The Salutations Service Music Book, Canon in Greek and English
Contains the entire service with all the music n Greek and English. Greek is on the left side and English is on the right.
The Salutations to the Theotokos Pew Service Book, Text Only, Greek and English
Contains the text of the Compline, Canon, and Akathist Hymn. The hymn texts correspond with the music book above. Set printer to legal-size paper. Requires printing on both sides of paper, folding, and stapling. Click here for a version formatted for the Fifth Friday,
The Canon: "My Mouth Shall I Open Up" from the Akathist service, in English
Text Only. As in the Lamentations below, the English has been written to fit the syllabic pattern of the Greek versions, so that they can be sung to any traditional musical arrangement.
1st Sunday of Lent - The Sunday of Orthodoxy
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Sunday of Orthodoxy
Apolytikion: Tin achrandon ikona sou / Before Your most pure icon GREEK MIDI ENG MIDI
Kontakion: Ti ipermaho / Mighty Defender GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Epi si cheri / In you rejoices (Sakellarides melody) GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Epi si cheri / In you rejoices (Plagal 4 melody from Anthimos) MIDI
2nd to 5th Sundays of Lent
2nd Sunday Apolytikion: Gregory Palamas - Orthodoxia o fostir / The illuminating light
3rd Sunday: Antiphon for the Veneration of the Holy Cross
3rd Sunday: The Veneration of the Holy Cross (see September 14 in the Menaion section)
4th Sunday Apolytikion: John of the Ladder - Tes ton dakryon / Your abundant tears
5th Sunday Apolytikion: Mary of Egypt - En si, Miter, acrivos / In you, O Mother
Saturday of Lazarus
Apolytikion: Tin kinin anastasin / You have raised Lazarus GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: I pandon chara / Christ, the Joy of All GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Osi is Christon / As many of you
Megalynarion: Tin ayin en dhoxos / With All Peoples GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: Ek stomatos nipion / Out of the Mouths of Babes MIDI
Palm Sunday
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for Palm Sunday
Apolytikion: Tin kinin anastasin / You have raised Lazarus GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Apolytikion: Sindafendes si / As by baptism we are buried GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion:To thronos en ouranou / Seated in heaven on a throne GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Megalynarion: Theos Kyrios ke epifanen imin / The Lord is God GRK MIDI ENG MIDI
Communion: Evloyimenos o erhomenos / Blessed is He MIDI
(Click here for a harmonized version)
HOLY WEEK
Orthros Services
Troparion of the Bridegroom Service: Idhou o Nymfios / Behold the Bridegroom
Exapostilarion of the Bridegroom service: Ton nymphona Sou / I see Your bridal chamber
Troparion of Kassiane in English, by Nancy Takis, Plagal Fourth Tone MIDI
Simplified Short version of the Troparion of Kassiane in English
Troparion of Kassiane in Greek, by John Sakellarides, Plagal Fourth Tone
Mantzaros/Roubanis 4-part arrangement of the Troparion of Kassiane in English
Thursday Divine Liturgy Cherubic Hymn - Tou Dhipnou Sou / Recieve Me Today
Thursday Divine Liturgy Communion Hymn - Tou Dhipnou Sou / Recieve Me Today
15th Antipohn of Holy Friday Orthros: Simeron Kremate, Sakellarides version (Greek)
English version by Nancy Takis, Today is hung MIDI
The Canon of Holy Saturday Orthros (Friday evening) in Modern English - (Kimati thalassis)
In Plagal Second Tone, melodies from the Anastassiou hymnal. This work is consider to be in progress. A later edition will come out with the translation even more closely metered to the Greek text. However, this is very close and can be used for the time being.
THE LAMENTATIONS FOR HOLY SATURDAY ORTHROS (Friday Evening)
Lamentations (Engomia) Pew Booklets (click HERE for version in Renaissance English)
In side-by-side Greek-Phonetics-English, suitable for pews. Texts only--both languages fit any musical setting. Requires printing on both sides of paper, folding, and stapling.
Lamentations Texts, letter-sized (click HERE for version in Renaissance English)
Same as above, but formatted for regular paper not in blooklet form.
Lamentations Music Book for Choirs or Chanters (click HERE for Renaissance English)
All verses individually set in staff notation. Greek and English. Traditional Byzantine melodies.
Lamentations Music Book with Third Stasis Harmonized
Lamentations Music, English Only, Byzantine melodies
Lamentations - Words only with musically-accented syllables highlighted
(click HERE for version in Renaissance English)
Greek, phonetics, and English side-by-side. Use this if your group has memorized the music.
Another booklet with extra lamentations and Psalm 118 verses interpolated, English
Great Doxology in the Plagal Second Tone, Sticheraric, for Friday evening, Greek
Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy
Kyrie ekekraxa, First Tone MIDI O Lord, I have cried out, First Tone MIDI
Gospel Response of Holy Saturday, Anasta O Theos/Arise, O Lord MIDI
Cherubic Hymn: Sighisato pasa sarx vrotia / Let all mortal flesh keep silent
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion Hymn For Holy Saturday: Exigherthi o ipnon / The Lord was Awakened MIDI
Post Communion Hymn for Holy Saturday: Mnisthiti efspaghne / Remember us
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
THE PENTECOSTARION
(MOVABLE FEASTS OF THE FIFTY DAYS OF PASCHA)
Holy Pascha (Easter)
Orthros: The Paschal Katavasiai (from the Canon) in English-It is the Day of Resurrection
Dhefte Lavete Fos / Come, Receive the Light MIDI
Tin Anastasin Sou / At Your Resurrection MIDI
Troparion: Christos anesti / Christ is risen MIDI
(Click here for a 4-part harmony version) MIDI
Russian-style 4-part SATB version in Greek and English
Hypakoe: Prolavouse ton Orthron / They who were with Mary
Small Entrance: En ekklisias / Bless God in the churches
Kontakion: I ke en tafo / Into the grave GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Osi is Christon / As many of you
Megalynarion: O angelos evoa / The angel cried to her MIDI
Communion: Soma Christou / Receive ye the Body of Christ MIDI
Communion: Soma Christou / Receive ye the Body of Christ, Harmonized MIDI
4-Part version by N. Roubanis w/ English verse by N. Takis MIDI
Sunday of St. Thomas
Apolytikion: Esfrayismenou tou mnimatos / After the tomb had been sealed up
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: Se tin fainin lambada / You are the shining torch lamp
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: Ipeni Ierusalim / Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem MIDI
Third Sunday of the Paschal Season
Apolitikion of Joseph of Arimathea: O efschimon Iosif / The Noble Joseph
Apolitikion of the Myrrh-bearing women: Tes miroforis ghinexi / To the myrrh-bearing women
ZIPPED MIDIS OF ALL 4 HYMNS
Fourth to Sixth Sundays of the Paschal Season
Megalynarion: O angelos evoa / The angel cried to her for the 4th Sunday of Pascha
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Megalynarion: O angelos evoa / The angel cried to her for the 5th Sunday of Pascha
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Apolytikion of Mid-Pentecost: Mesousis tis Eortis / At the Mid-point of the Feast
GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Apolytikion of the Hierarchs of Constantinople: Vyzandiou pimenes / Shepherds of Byzantium
Ascension Thursday
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for the Ascension
Apolytikion: Anelifthis en dhoxi / You have ascended in glory GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Tin iper imon plirosas / When You completed
Megalynarion; Se tin iper noun / Beyond all consciousness
Communion: Anevi o Theos / God has gone up
Seventh Sunday of the Paschal Season
(See above for Ascension 2nd Antiphon, Apolytikion, and Kontakion)
Apolytikion of the Fathers of the 1st Council: Iperdhedhoxasmenos / You are glorified above all
Pentecost Sunday
Apolytikion of the Saturday of the Souls: O Vathi Sofias / From the Depths of Your Wisdom
Antiphons and Small Entrance Hymn for Pentecost
Apolytkion: Evloyitos i Christe / Blessed are you, O Christ GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Ote Katavas tas ghlossas / When the most high God MIDI
Trisagion Substitution: Osi is Christon / As many of you
Megalynarion: Mi tis fthoras / Mother that has known no man GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: To pnevma sou to aghathon / Your good Spirit MIDI
Prokeimenon of Pentecost (The Great Prokeimenon)
Monday of the Holy Spirit
Megalynarion: Charis Anassa / May you rejoice, O Queen
Sunday of All-Saints
Troparion: Ton en olo to cosmo / Your Church, O Christ God GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Kontakion: Os aparchos tis fiseos / To You, the Planter GREEK MIDI ENGLISH MIDI
Communion: Aghalliasthe thikei Kyrio / Be glad in the Lord MIDI
COMMON SERVICES
Music for the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation in English (Troparion also in Greek)
Booklet with the text of the Baptism and Chrismation Service
(Print with no scaling on both sides of paper.)
The Memorial Service (Mnimosino)
Trisagion Service for the Dead, in Greek and English
Theotokion from the Funeral Service, in English, arr. S. Takis
Wedding Service with music in side-by-side Greek and English
Everything you need to serve as chanter or choir in a marriage service.
The Artoklasia Service (Breaking of the Loaves)
The Small Paraklesis (see August 1 to 14 in the Menaion section above)
Kyrie ton dynameon / Lord of the powers from the Great Compline, Plagal Fourth Tone
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CAROLS
The Christmas Kalanda - in Greek and English (Click here for SATB concert version)
New Year Kalanda (St. Basil's Carol) - in Greek and English
Christougenna - in Greek and English
Byzantine Kalanda - in Greek
Macedonian Kalanda - in Greek
Christmas Tree Carol - in Greek
Fota Kalanda - in Greek
Trigona Kalanda (Jingle Bells) -in Greek
Kolyada (Russian Carol) - in English
Two Romanian Carols - in English
OTHER HYMNS
Communion hymn for the consecration of a Church: Kyrie ighapisa / Lord, I have loved
(Chant and 4-Part Harmony)
4-Part Hymns (Se Imnumen / With Hymns We Praise Thee and a Sunday
Communion hymn that combines Greek and English)
Agni Parthene (O Virgin Pure) by St. Nektarios, in Greek and English
CLICK HERE for a version of O Virgine Pure with English verses and Greek refrain
Fimi of Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Fimi of Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Fimi of Archbishop Demetrios of America
Fimi of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Agapiso se Kyrie and Ton Dhespotin, for Hierarchical Liturgies
Kyrie soson tous efsevis, for Hierarchical Liturgies
The Beatitudes, First Tone, in English
Psalm 23, Plagal Fourth Tone, in English
Psalm 135, First Tone, in English
The Lord's Prayer, 4-part, N. Kedrov, adapted by S. Takis, in English
(Greek Version) (French Version)
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
United States
Greece (in Greek)
Greece (in English, translated by Rudyard Kipling)
Canada (in English)
Canada (in French)