Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church ‎#116

116. Idiomela of S. John the Monk

What joy of life abideth,
Without the smart of woe?
What glory lingers fadeless
Upon our world below?

All is a fleeting shadow,
And all a fitful gleam,
For death with cruel swiftness,
Dissolves the illusive dream.

O Christ a light unfailing,
A beauty lasting, rare,
Shines in Thy face to charm us,
And cheer us everywhere.

Where Thou art aye abiding,
Where we that light may see,
Grant us, O Christ our Saviour,
For evermore to be.

Text Information

• First Line: What joy of life abideth
• Title: Idiomela of S. John the Monk
• Greek Title: ποία τοῦ βίου τρυφὴ διαμένει λύπης ἀμέτοχος
• Translator: John Brownlie
• Meter: 7.6.7.6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1902
• Source: Euchologion, p. 413

Tune Information

(No tune information)