Known historically as "Phos Hilaron", "Gladsome Light" is the oldest known hymn in Christianity. It is known as a 'lamp-lighting' hymn, sung before sunrise. Today it can be heard every Saturday during the Vespers services of the Orthodox Church.
LINKS:
Hear the full rendition of "O Gladsome Light" used in the opening (used with permission from the Whitfield family):
Another wonderful version:
A short article on "Gladsome Light" along with some helpful teaching about it:
Another short article on Phos Hilaron:
Another article on the hymn, which also points out that it may have been written by someone else entirely and not Athenogenes:
An article on "what is a vespers service":
A video by Matushka Frederica on Vespers:
Haven't played Civilization 6 but apparently Phos Hilaron is the theme for Byzantium:
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Christianity's Oldest Hymn - Gladsome Light For Country: United States. City: Des Moines, Jersey City, Kansas City, Knoxville, Sacramento
