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Traditional Byzantine Christmas Hymn in Arabic
By fatherstephen
December 17, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I met many wonderful Arab Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land, particularly in Bethlehem, in Beit Shahour (the City of the Shepherds), and in Nazareth. This hymn reminds me of my time with them and of our need to pray for them and the peace of Jerusalem.
December 17, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Yes I can relate to this Father, as a member of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Beautiful people. Beautiful hymn. Amazing lyrics.
December 17, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Truly Beautiful
December 17, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Beauty transcends limitations of culture!
Thank you for sharing this!
December 17, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I particularly think it is good for Americans to hear the praises of Christ in Arabic. It is a language that offered praise to Christ our God, long before it was the language of Islam. People need to know that there are many Arab Christians – and pray for them!
December 18, 2008 at 2:30 am
Thank you Father, finally a very clear audio Christmas chant in Arabic!
December 18, 2008 at 4:41 am
The world can hear so much more!
December 18, 2008 at 5:29 am
http://s375.photobucket.com/albums/oo197/zpap2004/?action=view¤t=_0002.flv
A small offer. Greek byzantine Christmas Hymn from Mt Athos Vatopedi Monastery.
MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS BROTHERS
From Greece
December 18, 2008 at 5:30 am
[...] Hat tip to Father Stephen. [...]
December 18, 2008 at 1:09 pm
“I particularly think it is good for Americans to hear the praises of Christ in Arabic. It is a language that offered praise to Christ our God, long before it was the language of Islam. People need to know that there are many Arab Christians – and pray for them!”
So true Fr. Stephen. And one doesn’t have to travel to Palestine to experience this. Visit your local Antiochian Orthodox parish.
December 18, 2008 at 1:58 pm
This is sung by all Arab/English speaking Antiochian parishes in North America!
December 18, 2008 at 2:15 pm
[...] Click Here to Listen, and reflect that American Christmas music is what would sound weird in in the true scheme of things. [...]
December 18, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Arabic is a powerful and beautiful language for chanting.
December 18, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Andrew,
There are over a billion people in the word who agree with you. And some of us are Christians!
December 18, 2008 at 8:29 pm
This chant is very beautiful! This is what Arabic chants were and are meant to be, before the Muslims made it their own. Growing up I’ve heard many Islamic chants in Arabic, but none of that is comparable to the Arabic chanting of Christians.