Agios O Theos- Mode 1

Psalms 1-6.

Done in a style unique and original to St Romanos Hermitage.

The Psalms of David chanted in a style unique to St Romanos Hermitage. Pulling from Russian, Greek, Arabic, Bulgarian, Irish, English plain chant and Gregorian chant musical influences, these Psalms are a subtle fusion of various musical traditions transformed into what has been described by some as having a uniquely American feel with ever-flowing penitence and contemplation. Each Kathisma limits itself to a single melody which then repeats and evolves and elaborates yet remains that original sole melodic idea, like an Orthodox "Tone."

The Orthodox monastic services are completely sung or chanted with no instruments other than the human voice; nearly nothing is ever spoken. There is not a single service in the Orthodox church that does not employ the Psalms. Psalms were sung by the earliest Christians to include Jesus and His apostles.

The Psalter, or the entire group of all the Psalms have been divided into 20 Kathismas of more or less equal length. This then aids their incorporation into various Orthodox services to be chanted or sung entirely throughout each week. It is also the practice in the Orthodox Church to chant the Psalms in the presence of a reposed Orthodox Christian from the time of their repose until their internment. All Psalms here are listed according to the Greek (Septuagint) numbering of the Psalms.

Psalms from the King James translation of 1611.

Cover: Roman of St Romanos Hermitage 

All music composed and chanted by Roman.

Kathisma I (Stasis 1 & 2)

Psalms 24-31

Done in the style of Byzantine Chant.

The Psalms of David chanted in a style unique to St Romanos Hermitage. Pulling from Russian, Greek, Arabic, Bulgarian, Irish, English plain chant and Gregorian chant musical influences, these Psalms are a subtle fusion of various musical traditions transformed into what has been described by some as having a uniquely American feel with ever-flowing penitence and contemplation. Each Kathisma limits itself to a single melody which then repeats and evolves and elaborates yet remains that original sole melodic idea, like an Orthodox "Tone."

The Orthodox monastic services are completely sung or chanted with no instruments other than the human voice; nearly nothing is ever spoken. There is not a single service in the Orthodox church that does not employ the Psalms. Psalms were sung by the earliest Christians to include Jesus and His apostles.

The Psalter, or the entire group of all the Psalms have been divided into 20 Kathismas of more or less equal length. This then aids their incorporation into various Orthodox services to be chanted or sung entirely throughout each week. It is also the practice in the Orthodox Church to chant the Psalms in the presence of a reposed Orthodox Christian from the time of their repose until their internment. All Psalms here are listed according to the Greek (Septuagint) numbering of the Psalms.

Psalms from the King James translation of 1611.

Cover: Roman of St Romanos Hermitage 

All music composed and chanted by Roman.

Kathisma IV

1. Midnight Office:  First Prayer of St Basil

Psalm 144

This is an arrangement of the Great Doxology for festal matins, based loosely on a Mozarabic melody, set to English by our monks.

Adornment of the Faithful: Orthodox Chants from Vashon Island

Great Doxology (Mozarabic Melody)

Sun of Justice: Byzantine Chant for Christmas in Greek, Arabic, and English
Artists: PRÓTO:: John Michael, Rev. John Rassem El Massih
Label: Cappella Romana Media (CR417)
2-Disc CD Set
Buy Now: http://www.cappellaromana.org/product/sun-of-justice/

Cappella Romana Media combines passion with scholarship in its exploration of early and contemporary music of the Christian East and West.

Featuring classical chants in Greek primarily by Petros Peloponnesios (1730–1778). Adaptations into Arabic primarily by Mitri El Murr (1880–1969) and those into English by John Michael Boyer (b. 1978) closely echo the originals in form, style, and grace.

This debut release by PRÓTO presents traditional chants for the Byzantine celebration of Christmas, including selections from The Royal Hours, Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy. A deluxe 32-page booklet is included with full texts in Greek, Arabic, and English.

PRÓTO is a collaboration of two protopsaltes (“first cantors”): John Michael Boyer, Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco; and the Reverend Deacon John Rassem El Massih, Protopsaltis of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Teir shared vision is excellence in traditional Byzantine Music as well as the advancement, development, and composition of traditional Byzantine Music in the English language.

Sun of Justice: Byzantine Chant for Christmas in Greek, Arabic, and English

“Today the Virgin” Kontakion of Christmas Day, Greek & Arabic

Axion Cuvine-se gl 3 Orthodox Byzantine Chant

Throughout our Christian history, no woman has been more loved, more lauded, and more cherished than the blessed virgin Mary. She herself foretold it: " For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."(Luke 1:48) In the beautiful poetic-hymnography which is characteristic of Byzantine Chant in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Theotokos, the Mother of God is honored and esteemed for her unique role in the salvation of the human race. During the Paraklesis Service, we ask the Most Holy Theotokos to save us just as those drowning reach out to those on dry land. 

This music is used with permission by Eikonia.

To purchase this CD, visit http://www.eikona.com/paraklesis-the-mother-of-light/

To purchase downloadable MP3s, visit https://www.amazon.com/Paraklesis-Eikona/dp/B009ZRXAO2

Agios O Theos- Mode 1

Andrew Samir 5