O Virgin Pure
Agni Parthene (Greek: Ἁγνὴ Παρθένε), rendered "O Virgin Pure" or "O Pure Virgin", is a Greek Marian hymn composed by St. Nectarios of Aegina in the late 19th century, first published in print in his Theotokarion (Θεοτοκάριον, ἤτοι προσευχητάριον μικρόν) in 1905[2].
In Orthodox churches, it is considered paraliturgical, and therefore only to be used outside of liturgical services. Though it is often performed by some choirs as a recessional after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy during the veneration of the cross and receiving of antidoron.
St. Nectarios' Poem
St. Nectarios was a Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church throughout the late 1800s, and early 1900s. Throughout the period of his episcopacy, he spent much time in prayer and contemplation, and dedicated himself to the monastic life. His spiritual lifestyle, and his particular dedication to the Virgin Mary inspired him to write a wide variety of religious poetry, much of which was published during his life, and after his repose in 1920.
One of the many poems he wrote is "Agni Parthene" or "O Virgin Pure". According to a tradition passed down on the island of Aegina, St. Nectarios reportedly composed the text for this poem after having seen a vision of the Theotokos in a dream where she asked him to record this poem. The original script can still be viewed on his prayer table in his bedroom at this monastery.
It was later published as a poetic hymn for non-liturgical use and private edification in his publication called "Theotokarion of Odes & Hymns for the Most-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary" of 1905, which included many other similar poems.
Contemporary Practice
The hymn, although not used very often in Simonopetra Monastery, nevertheless spread quickly throughout the Eastern Orthodox world and has been translated into many languages. It is most commonly performed as a concert piece in Greece, and as a recessional hymn after liturgical services in parishes throughout the United States.
The explosion in popularity has been attributed to the St. Nectarios, who has become a popular modern-day Saint.
A controversial practice has been the use of the hymn as a communion hymn and as a hymn to begin Vespers services. However, Fr. Gregory and his brethren of Simonopetra Monastery have clarified that although it has become popular, it was never meant to be used liturgically, but rather to be sung only as a non-liturgical religious song for the edification of individuals.
A Church Slavonic translation is known to be due to monks of Valaam Monastery.
The text is in 24 stanzas or invocations, each followed by the refrain Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε "Hail, unwedded bride". The 24 stanzas are arranged into four strophes, each strophe consisting of three tunes iterated twice over. The first three strophes describe attributes of the Theotokos, while the fourth consists of a prayer for intercession.
Text
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Greek Wikisource has original text related to this article: |
The 24 invocations are labelled by strophe (1, 2, 3, 4), tune (A, B, Γ) and iteration (α, β).
| Greek text (1905) | Transliteration | English translation (metrical) [3] |
|---|---|---|
|
1.Aα. Ἁγνὴ Παρθένε Δέσποινα, ἄχραντε Θεοτόκε, |
O pure and virgin Lady,/ O spotless Theotokos | |
|
2.Aα. Μαρία ἀειπάρθενε κόσμου παντὸς Κυρία, R |
María Aipárthene kósmu pantós Kiría, R |
O ever-virgin Mary/ O Mistress of creation |
|
3.Aα. Χαῖρε τὸ ᾆσμα Χερουβείμ, χαῖρε ὕμνος ἀγγέλων, R |
Hére to ásma Heruvím, hére ímnos angélon, R |
Rejoice, song of the cherubim/ Rejoice, hymn of the angels |
|
4.Aα. Σὲ ἱκετεύω Δέσποινα, σὲ νῦν ἐπικαλοῦμαι. R |
Se iketévo Déspina, Se, nin, epikalúme, R |
I supplicate thee, Lady/ I humbly call upon thee |
References
- Melody based on the notation due to Nancy Chalker Takis (2006)
- "ΙΕΡΑ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ ΥΔΡΑΣ (Metropolis of Hydra, Spetses and Aegina)". www.imhydra.gr. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
- Orthodox Spirituality Prayers written by St. Nektarios of Aegina (2008); translation by Bishop Basil of Wichita (William Essey, b. 1948). Alternative translation: Reverend Presbyter Demetrios Serfes, Holy Nativity Convent, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) http://www.serfes.org/spiritual/november1999.htm
- This is the text of 4.Bβ. as published in 1905, exceptionally without rhyme (repeating the second half of 2.Aα).
An alternative text is now often sung instead: 4.Bβ. Θερμῶς ἐπικαλοῦμαί σε, ναὲ ἡγιασμένε Thermós epikalúme Se, Naé igiasméne, - translates 4.Bβ. Θερμῶς ἐπικαλοῦμαί σε, ναὲ ἡγιασμένε. The original text of 4.Bβ. translates to "Hear me, immaculate one, lady of the whole world."