Today Christ is Born

The following hymn, chanted in Greek, is one of the most famous Christmas hymns of the Orthodox Church. This hymn is sang during the Royal Hours, 9^th Hour. According to the Tradition of the Church, the hymn Today is born of a Virgin is first intoned devoutly and solemnly by the Canonarch in the middle of the Church. Then it is sung by both choirs.

The translation of the hymn below is from Fr. Ephrem Lash, http://anastasis.org.uk/24decRH.htm

Today is born of a Virgin, he who holds creation in the hollow of his hand (x3).

As a mortal he is wrapped in swaddling rags, he who in his being cannot be handled.

God lies in a manger, who of old established the heavens in the beginning.

He is nourished with milk from the breast, he who rained Manna on the People in the desert.

He summons Magi, the Bridegroom of the Church.

He accepts their gifts, the Son of the Virgin.

We worship your birth, O Christ (three times).

Show us also your divine Epiphany.