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.
Contents
Associated Tunes
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,
Filled with celestial splendor and light,
These that, where night never followeth day,
Raise the “Thrice Holy” song ever and aye.
These are Thy ministers, these dost Thou own,
God of Sabaoth, the nearest Thy throne;
These are Thy messengers, These dost Thou send,
Help of the helpless ones! man to defend.
These keep the guard amid Salem's high towers,
Thrones, principalities, virtues and power,
Where, with the living ones, mystical four,
Cherubim, seraphim bow and adore.
“Who like the Lord?” thunders Michael the chief;
Raphael, “the cure of God,” comforteth grief;
And, as at Nazareth, prophet of peace,
Gabriel, “the light of God,” bringeth release.
Then, when the earth was first poised in mid space,
Then, when the planets first sped on their race,
Then, when were ended the six days’ employ,
Then all the sons of God shouted for joy.
Still let them succor us; still let them fight,
Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right;
Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour,
We with the angels may bow and adore.
External Links
- Stars of the Morning at the Cyber Hymnal™
