ODE VIII.

John Damascene, 780

aute e klete.

Thou hallowed chosen morn of praise,

That best and greatest shinest!

Lady and Queen and Day of days,

Of things divine, divinest!

On thee our praises CHRIST adore

For ever and for evermore.

Come, let us taste the Vine's new fruit

For heavenly joy preparing:

Today the branches with the Root

In Resurrection sharing:

Whom as True GOD our hymns adore

For ever and for evermore.

Rise, Sion, rise, and looking forth,

Behold thy children round thee!

From East and West, and South and North,

Thy scattered sons have found thee!

And in thy bosom CHRIST adore

For ever and for evermore.

O FATHER! O co-equal SON!

O co-eternal Spirit!

In Persons Three, in Substance One,

And One in power and merit;

In Thee baptized, we Thee adore

For ever and for evermore!

[No.1 in Mr. Sedding's book. A very appropriate melody.]