Hymn Text and Background.
It is truly right to call you blest, O Theotokos, the ever blessed. You who are most pure and all immaculate and the Mother of our God.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim. Who without corruption did gave birth to God the Word. The very Theotokos, you do we magnify.
Historically, this hymn originated in two parts as separated above. The first part "it is truly right..." was divinely revealed by the Angel Gabriel to a monk. This is celebrated on June 11. More details on this can be found here:
www.johnsanidop...
www.goarch.org/...
The second and older part is ascribed to St Comas the Hymnographer and bishop of Maiuma. His feast day is October 14.
Biblically, this hymn is in the same spirit as the Gospel of Luke 1:26-56. In this narrative we see the angel Gabriel who was sent by God to the young maiden, proclaiming her as highly favoured and blessed(Luke 1:28). She would give birth to God, the incarnate word by the power of the Holy Spirit. Later Mary would visit Elizabeth, who being inspired by the Holy Spirit also calls her blessed(Luke 1:42). The blessed virgin then sings her famous magnifanct (Μεγαλύνει) to the Lord. Here she proclaims, …henceforth all generations will call me blessed(Luke 1:48). The Orthodox do not worship the Virgin Mary, but give honour to her as is due (Romans 13:7), and fulfilling Scripture as the generations who call her blessed.
Here is an article explaining the Orthodox veneration of the Virgin Mary:
www.antiochian....
Liturgically, this hymn appears at in the hours (1st, 3rd, 6th, and 9th), Paraklesis, Compline, Vespers, Matins and other services. Its most important occurrence is the default hymn at the Divine Liturgy of John Chrysostom, where it is chanted at the conclusion of the Anaphora. Especially after the calling down the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis), the people being filled with the Spirit, cannot help but cry out to her who is full of Grace by proclaiming that... It is truly right to call her blest...
Coming soon....
Greek and Arabic versions.
4 сен 2024
