Imitating the hymns of angels; Angels: Day 301

The historian Socrates Scholasticus relates the traditional story of how responsive singing began in the liturgy. According to the tradition, St. Ignatius had a vision of angels responding to each other in song.

We must now however make some allusion to the origin of this custom in the church of responsive singing.

Ignatius, third bishop of Antioch in Syria from the Apostle Peter, who also had conversations with the Apostles themselves, saw a vision of angels hymning in alternate chants the Holy Trinity. Accordingly he introduced the mode of singing he had observed in the vision into the Antiochian church. From there it was transmitted by tradition to all the other churches. Such is the account we have received in relation to these responsive hymns. –Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History, 6.6

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Even if I’m not much of a singer, do I make a real effort to participate in the liturgy we share with the hosts of Heaven when I’m in church?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, let me sing with the Cherubim and Seraphim, and accept this hymn from me, sinner though I am.

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