View source for Stars of the Morning

A nineteenth-century English translation of a ninth-century Greek hymn, [[Φωστηρες της αυσιας]], written by Joseph the Hymnographer and translated by [[John Mason Neale]]. It is associated liturgically with the feast day of St. Michael and All Angels, also known as Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

=Associated Tunes=
*[[Changing Seasons]]
*[[Quedlinburg]]
*[[Slane]]
*[[Trisagion (Smart)]]

=Lyrics=
*Poet: Joseph the Hymnographer
*English translation: [[John Mason Neale]]
==Lyrics from the Cyber Hymnal, with the third stanza supplied from the [[Summit Choirbook]].==
Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright,<br />
Filled with celestial splendor and light,<br />
These that, where night never followeth day,<br />
Raise the “Thrice Holy” song ever and aye.

These are Thy ministers, these dost Thou own,<br />
God of Sabaoth, the nearest Thy throne;<br />
These are Thy messengers, These dost Thou send,<br />
Help of the helpless ones! man to defend.

These keep the guard amid Salem's high towers,<br />
Thrones, principalities, virtues and power,<br />
Where, with the living ones, mystical four,<br />
Cherubim, seraphim bow and adore.

“Who like the Lord?” thunders Michael the chief;<br />
Raphael, “the cure of God,” comforteth grief;<br />
And, as at Nazareth, prophet of peace,<br />
Gabriel, “the light of God,” bringeth release.

Then, when the earth was first poised in mid space,<br />
Then, when the planets first sped on their race,<br />
Then, when were ended the six days’ employ,<br />
Then all the sons of God shouted for joy.

Still let them succor us; still let them fight,<br />
Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right;<br />
Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour,<br />
We with the angels may bow and adore.

=External Links=
*[http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/t/starsotm.htm Stars of the Morning] at the Cyber Hymnal&trade;

[[category:Hymns]]
[[category:Hymns by John Mason Neale]]
[[category:Angels]]
[[category:10 10 10 10]]
[[category:Lyrics]]