Agni Parthene performed by Women's Chorus

Agni Parthene / Hieromonk Gregory of Simonopetra (set to music in the 1980s)

Soloists: Amy Hiestand, Jodie Bourdet, Katie Walker, Chris Bennett, Kathryn Schumacher, Joy Craig, Linda Ferris, Peggy Stratton

From our December 2018 program titled "Winter Reflections"

In the season of darkness, we seek light. In the season of stillness, we look deep into our souls and ponder life. This program was an exploration of winter wisdom from sacred and secular traditions found in an ancient Greek Orthodox hymn, an Aboriginal songline, a soft Jewish Shabbat eve tune, a contemporary interpretation of early Chinese philosophy from the I Ching, and a unique rendition of In the Bleak Midwinter, by American composer Frances McCollin, whose blindness in early childhood caused her to see colors when hearing music.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Pleasant Hill CA

WomenSing
Ofer dal Lal, Artistic Director
Paul Caccamo, Music Associate Director & Pianist

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Video by: www.omrishir.com


TEXT
1. Agní Parthéne Déspina,
Áhrante Theotóke,
R: Hére Nímfi Anímfefte.
Parthéne Mítir Ánassa,
Panéndrose te póke. R
Ipsilotéra Uranón,
aktínon lamprotéra, R
Hará parthenikón horón,
angélon ipertéra, R
Eklamprotéra uranón
fotós katharotéra, R
Ton Uraníon stratión
pasón agiotéra. R 1.

1. O Virgin pure immaculate,
our Lady Theotokos,
R: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!
O Virgin mother, sovereign Queen,
you are the fleece all dewy. R
The brightest shining ray are you,
and higher than the heavens. R
The joy of virgin choruses,
and higher thank the angels. R
More radiant than the heaven’s light,
your own light shines more purely. R
Of all the ranks of heaven’s hosts,
You truly are more holy. R
2. O Mary, ever-virgin maiden,
mistress of creation. R
Immaculate and purest Bride,
and our all-holy Lady. R
O Mary, you are Bride and Queen,
the cause of our rejoicing. R
A humble daughter, Queen are you,
and holiest of mothers. R
More honored than the cherubim,
more brilliant in your glory. R
You are by far, a greater Throne
than seraphim unbodied. R
3. Rejoice, O song of cherubim,
rejoice, O hymn of angels. R
Rejoice, the ode of seraphim,
the joy of the archangels. R
Rejoice, for you are peace and joy,
our harbor of salvation. R
The holy chamber of the Word,
the flower of incorruption. R
Rejoice, O paradise of life,
sublime and everlasting. R
Rejoice, you are the tree of life,
the fount of life eternal. R
4. Our Lady, I entreat you now,
upon you I am calling. R
O Queen of all, I seek your grace,
and bring my plea before you. R
O maiden meek and free of sin,
and our most holy Lady. R
O temple that is greatly blest,
with fervent voice I call you. R
Protect me from the adversity,
deliver me and help me. R
And deem me worthy to become,
an heir to life eternal. R