The fine arts, but above all sacred art, “of their nature are directed toward expressing in some way the infinite beauty of God in works made by human hands…” (CCC 2513).
If I were to describe sunlight to a blind person this is what I’d make them listen to.”
Kushala Daora, YouTube commentator
Hymn of the Cherubim
(Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom)
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky completed the choral work on the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in 1878. The play “Hymn of the Cherubim” is considered the first unified setting of this central liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The text is attributed to Johannes Chrysostomus, Archbishop of Constantinople in the 5th Century.
Here’s a beautiful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Hymn of the Cherubim, performed by The USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir, conducted by Valery Polyansky.
A comprehended God is no God.”
Saint John Chrysostom
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Truth Beauty, and Sacred Art (2501)
Created “in the image of God,” man also expresses the truth of his relationship with God the Creator by the beauty of his artistic works. Indeed, art is a distinctively human form of expression; beyond the search for the necessities of life which is common to all living creatures, art is a freely given superabundance of the human being’s inner riches. Arising from talent given by the Creator and from man’s own effort, art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing. To the extent that it is inspired by truth and love of beings, art bears a certain likeness to God’s activity in what he has created. Like any other human activity, art is not an absolute end in itself, but is ordered to and ennobled by the ultimate end of man (CCC 2501).
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
St. Paul, Letter to the Philippians (4:8)
Saint John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, pray for us.
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family pray for us. Amen.
