Phos Hilaron

I thought Epiphany would make a good day to think about this ancient hymn of the church until I read it again and found it is an evening hymn and sung at the setting of the sun, while the connection I would wish to make is about light dawning in the world at the revelation of the Christ. I do not think I will let that stop me.

The article at Wikipedia calls it the earliest known Christian hymn, apart from material contained in the Bible itself, that continues in use today. It is written in the same Greek as the New Testament itself.

One verse translation into English (O Gladsome Light, O Grace) is by Robert Bridges, given on that same Wikipedia page, and also here. Another (Hail Gladdening Light) by Keble is here. Perhaps sometime I shall try my own hand. In any case, long has it endured, and long may it live in the use of Christian worship.

See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph

This hymn by Christopher Wordsworth, found at The Calvinist International, is simply awesome in matter, scope and size. Robust, indeed!