Phos hilaron

O gladsome Light, O grace of God the Father’s face, the eternal splendor wearing: celestial, holy, blest, our Savior Jesus Christ, joyful in Thine appearing. Now, ere day fadeth quite, we see the evening light, our wonted hymn outpouring; Father of might unknown, Thee, His incarnate Son, and Holy Ghost adoring. To thee of right belongs all praise of holy songs, O Son of God, Lifegiver; Thee, therefore, O Most High, the world doth glorify, and shall exalt for ever.

Score Lyrics only

1	O gladsome Light, O grace of God the Father’s face, the eternal splendor wearing: celestial, holy, blest, our Savior Jesus Christ, joyful in Thine appearing.
2	Now, ere day fadeth quite, we see the evening light, our wonted hymn outpouring; Father of might unknown, Thee, His incarnate Son, and Holy Ghost adoring.
3	To thee of right belongs all praise of holy songs, O Son of God, Lifegiver; Thee, therefore, O Most High, the world doth glorify, and shall exalt for ever.

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SourcesOriginal canticle

Text	Greek, 3rd cent.; tr. Robert Seymour Bridges (1844-1930), ad. A. Coles, st. 2
Tune	Le cantique de Siméon melody Louis Bourgeois (1510?-1559); harm. Claude Goudimel (1514-1572)

Phos hilaron

Rite IRite II

O gracious Light, *
  pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, *
  and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing thy praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thou art worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, *
  O Son of God, O Giver of life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

O gracious light, *
  pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, *
  and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, *
  O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.