The 'First Christian Hymnal' Course
8 Episodes on the Ancient Jerusalem Chantbook during Pascha (Easter)
Welcome to the First Christian Hymnal Course with your instructor, Cassian Kyle King.
Why study this hymnal? We can learn a great deal about what the early Christians believed by reading what they wrote down in their ancient hymns and chanted in the most sacred of places, the Church of the Holy Resurrection (i.e. Tomb of Christ).
What is this hymnal? Recently, Dr. Stephen Shoemaker has provided an English translation of Paschal hymns (from the Jerusalem Chantbook) that were sung in this very place! The songs were for the 40 days following Pascha (Resurrection Day or Easter) and were sung during matins/orthros (morning prayer), vespers (evening prayer), and parts of the Divine Liturgy.
How old is this hymnal? These manuscripts were preserved and protected by the Orthodox Church of Georgia and, by God’s providence, are still with us today. Many of these hymns date to the late 4th century (350-400AD) or perhaps a little earlier. They were also appearing in more than one city which shows a growing universal acceptance of these hymns.
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