"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1, 14, NKJV).
As we approach the blessed period of the Coptic month of Kiahk, we would like to wish you a blessed and true fast as we prepare ourselves to receive the Logos of God incarnate. Since this period of our liturgical year is known for its many praises and hymns unlike any other period as we approach the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would like to remind you of some related resources:
We have also found that a committee was developed by the holy Synod, led by H.G. Bishop Makari, General Bishop of South Shobra, and the involvement of many well-known priests and cantors in the Church for the main goal of unifying the sources of Kiahk hymns. This committee has already met twice (on October 31 and November 3) and has chosen the sources for the following:
- Nie;noc Tyrou
- C. Mikhail El-Batanouni and C. Farag Abdel-Maseih
- “Alli El-‘asr” - Alleluia of Vespers, Allylouia Pi`wou Va
- C. Mikhail El-Batanouni and C. Farag Abdel-Maseih
- `Areten;wn], 8th Part of the Saturday Theotokia
- HICS (Higher Institute of Coptic Studies)
- Kiahk Sherat, Saturday Theotokia Lobsh
- The Great Watos Commentary, Saturday Vespers Praise
- C. Farag Abdel-Maseih for the Introduction
- Constructing (tarkeep) the commentary parts according to Archdeacon Fahim Girgis
- Psali Watos for Saturday Vespers Praise `Amwini Tyrou
- Saturday Theotokia in Kiahk Tune
- C. Farag Abdel-Maseih and Archdeacon Fahim Girgis
- Explanations of the Saturday Theotokia
- Archdeacon Fahim Girgis in which the paragraph before last be elevated in pitch
- All explanations may be constructed as it was agreed upon by C. Ibrahim Ayad and C. Gad Lewis
- “Alli Nos El-lil” - Alleluia of Midnight
- C. Mikhail El-Batanouni and C. Farag Abdel-Maseih
- The Great Kiahk Hoos and its Alleluia
- Great Teoi `nhikanoc, 10th part of the Sunday Theotokia
- Tenen & Euhwc
- C. Farag Abdel-Maseih and other cantors with the consideration of the set of ornaments (hazzat) on the first word repeat twice and not three times
- Great `Ebolhiten
- Conclusion of the Commentary for the Saintly Laborers, P=,=c Pencwtyr
- Tenoueh `ncwk
- Sunday Theotokia Explanations
- To be chanted in the annual theotokia tune or according to C. Tawfik Youssef recordings
- Kiahk Psalies
- Adam Psalies are to be chanted in the tune of Amen Alleluia (Adam Hymn after the Hoos - Agios O Theo’s)
- Watos Psalies are to be chanted in the tune of The Burning Bush (Watos Hymn (Psali) for Thursday)
- The Kiahk Psalm, Cwtem Taseri
- C. Farag Abdel-Maseih and Archdeacon Fahim Girgis
- “Alli El-tawzi’” – Alleluia of the Distribution, and Psalm 150
- Je `F`cmarwout in Kiahk Tune and `Fem`psa Gar for Sundays
- HICS (Higher Institute of Coptic Studies)
- Kiahk Aspasmoses
- Adam - C. Ibrahim Ayad
- Watos - C. Gad Lewis
- Je `F`cmarwout in Kiahk Tune and }par;enoc for Weekdays
- C. Tawfik Youssef
- Comment: It is a traditional hymn that should be kept and chanted during prayers and hymns competitions
The following were mentioned to be present at the meetings:
- H.G. Bishop Makari, General Bishop of South Shobra (Committee Head)
- Hegumen Isaiah El-Muharraqi, St. Mary’s Monastery of El-Muharraq
- Fr. Youannis Halim, Youth Bishopric Hymn Board
- Fr. Angelos Ishaak, HICS Hymns & Music Department
- Mr. Michelle Badee Abdel-Malik, Head of HICS, Hymns & Music Department
- Cantor Ibrahim Ayad, Teacher at Didymus Institute for Chanters and the Clerical School
- Cantor Gad Lewis, Teacher at Didymus Institute for Chanters and HICS
- Cantor Todari Anwar, Teacher at Didymus Institute for Chanters
- Cantor Milad Nadi, Teacher at Didymus Institute for Chanters
- Cantor Magdy Bekhit, Teacher at Didymus Institute for Chanters
- Cantor Youssef Ayoub, Association (Rabetat) of Chanters in Cairo
- Cantor Rida Barsoum, Teacher at HICS Hymns & Music Department and the Clerical School
- Deacon Beshara Nader Attia, Secretary of Youth Bishopric Hymn Board
The Coptic Church venerates St. Mary as the "Theotokos,", the Mother of God, whom the Divine Grace chose to bear the Word of God in her womb by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). Since she is considered to be the exemplary member in the church, and the interceding mother on behalf of her spiritual children, she is exalted above heavenly and earthly creatures. Therefore, the church does not cease glorifying (blessing) her, and celebrating her feasts in order that we imitate her and ask her intercessions on our behalf.
