Hymns of Light
The hymn of light (Greek: exapostilarion; Slavonic: svitilen) is one of a set of hymns sung, chanted, or recited immediately after the canon at Matins. Traditionally, the hymn is associated with the time of sunrise. The alternate Greek name for this hymn, photogogikon, like the Slavonic word svitilen, emphasizes this connection with light. (Since all these terms are used for the hymn of light, it is good to become familar with all of them.) The text of the hymn often (but not always) refers to light or illumination.
The Greek title "exapostilarion" means "sent out". This may come from the theme of certain of these hymns, which refer to the preaching of the apostles; or from its placement in the service, towards the dismissal; or it may come from the practice of having it chanted by a soloist who was "sent out" from from choir to the middle of the church.
There are hymns of light for:
- each day of the week (other than Sunday)
- each of the eleven Resurrectional Gospels sung at Sunday Matins
- each major feast
- most saints in the Menaion
- certain days in the Lenten Triodion
- each day of the Pentecostarion
The Triodion also provides special hymns of light (photogogika) to be used on weekdays of the Great Fast. These Lenten hymns used the same text invocation three times, but with a different conclusion each time.
Combining hymns of light from different sources
On most days, there are actually 2 or 3 hymns of light, sung one after the other, according to rules given in the Typikon. The last hymn is usually a theotokion (hymn to the Mother of God), or a feast-day or pre-festive hymn.
In general, the hymns are separated by the small doxology: "Glory....", "Now and ever", or (combined) "Glory.... now and ever."
So for example, on a normal weekday, the following hymns of light would be sung:
Hymn of light for the day of the week
Glory...
Hymn of light for the saint of the day
Now and ever...
Theotokion for the saint (if there is one) or for the day of the week
On a major feast day, a single hymn of light is often sung three times. In this case, the doxology is usually omittied, and (according to common practice) the priest sings the hymn of light once, then the faithful sing it twice.
Examples of hymns of light
Hymn of light for Monday (with theotokion; note that Monday is dedicated to the holy angels):
Angels, Archangels, and Principalities, * Virtues, Powers, and Dominions, * Thrones and many-eyed Cherubim, * along with the six-winged Seraphim, * intercede for us, that we may be delivered from all danger * and that we may escape the unending flames.
Glory... now and ever... O Virgin, you are my help, the protection of the world and its strong support; * I bow down before you and cry out: * Deliver me from all affliction and from the eternal fire, * for in you, O Virgin, is all my hope.
Hymn of light for the feast of the Transfiguration:
O Word and unchangeable Light, * O Light of the unbegotten Father, * today we see in your light on Tabor * the light of the Father and the light of the Spirit * which gives light to the whole world. (3 times)
Hymn of light for the Sixth Resurrection Gospel (Luke 24:36-53):
After your resurrection from the grave, O Savior, you revealed your human nature as you stood in the midst of the disciples; you were with them and taught them the baptism of repentance. Then you ascended to your Father and promised to send them the Paraclete.Therefore, O Lover of us all and God most high, glory to your holy Resurrection!
Glory... now and ever... The Author of all creation and the God of all took a carnal body from your pure womb, O holy Virgin. He renewed our nature which had been corrupt, preserving your virginity after birthgiving as you were before. Therefore, we all praise you in faith and exclaim: Rejoice, O Queen of the whole world!
Melodies for the Hymns of Light
Strictly speaking, every exapostilarion or svitilen should have its own proper melody, specially composed to fit the text. However, many of these melodies have fallen out of use over the centuries, and as a result, the hymns of light are usually chanted to a simple reading melody or psalm tone.
The exceptions are the hymns of light for certain major feasts:
- for Bridegroom Matins: I see your bridal chamber
- for Great and Holy Friday: The wise thief
- for Pascha: You, O King and Lord (melody)
- for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross: The Cross is the guardian of the universe
- for the feast of the Nativity:Our Savior, the Dayspring from the east
- for the feast of Theophany: The Savior who is grace and truth
- for the feast of the Dormition: O holy apostles of Christ
The weekday hymns of light in the Great Fast are also a special case; they are sung to the troparion melody in the tone of the week.
The liturgical books from the Sisters of Saint Basil in Uniontown sometimes indicate a tone for a particular hymn of light; in general, since the hymns of light do not fall under the eight-tone system, these markings should be ignored.
Recommended Reading
- von Gardner, Johann. Russian Church Singing, Volume 1 (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1980). See Chapter 1, "The System of Orthodox Liturgical Singing", pages 38-40.