Magnificat from Jesus Prayer by Calvin Peters
This hymn is sung frequently during the Orthodox services. The refrain appears in nearly every Orthodox service, the version here knows as the “Magnificat” is sung during the Orthodox Matins service -- during the canon, just before the ninth ode. The verses come from the Virgin Mary herself as described in the first chapter of Luke upon her visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. Tradition teaches that the refrain and structure of the Magnificat came directly from the Archangel Gabriel on June 11 in the year 982. More can be read when researching the “Axion Estin” (“It is truly meet”) and its revelation to a monk’s disciple on Mt Athos.
Tracklist
| 6. | Magnificat | 4:58 |
Lyrics
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Refrain: More Honorable than the Cherubim,
And more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim.
Without corruption Thou gavest birth to God, the Word.
True Theotokos we magnify thee.
For He has looked upon the lowliness of His handmaiden. For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Refrain
For the mighty One hath done great things to me, and holy is His name. And His mercy in on them that fear Him, unto generation and generation.
Refrain
He hath shown strength with His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
Refrain
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and exulted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away.
Refrain
He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy. As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever.
Refrain
Credits
Music: M. M. Osorgin, Yablochinsky Monastery Chant.
Sung with the help of seminarian Justin Borman.
License
All rights reserved.
Calvin Peters learned violin at age six and piano at age eight. He earned a music degree from Michigan State University and retired from the military after a 20-year career. He played viola in five symphonies over the past 30 years, has directed choirs and chanted in the Orthodox Church for over 30 years, is the son of an Orthodox Archpriest of blessed memory and is now an Orthodox monk.