PHOS HILARON,

(HAIL GLADDENING LIGHT)

THIS IS AN ANCIENT CHRISTIAN HYMN (ONE OF THE OLDEST) FROM AROUND THE 3RD OR 4TH CENTURY. SOME SAY IT WAS COMPOSED BY ST ATHENOGENES, AS HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO BE MARTYRD.

"O light gladsome of the holy glory of the Immortal Father, the Heavenly, the Holy, the Blessed, O Jesus Christ, having come upon the setting of the sun, having seen the light of the evening, we praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: God. Worthy it is at all times to praise thee in joyful voices, O Son of God, giver of life, for which the world glorifies Thee"