SAINT ATHENAGORAS OF ATHENS - SONG

Saint Athenagoras of Athens

In ages dim of ancient days,
When fear opposed the Christian ways,
There rose a voice so calm and wise,
With mercy shining through his eyes.
Saint Athenagoras stood near,
To speak sweet truth when hearts knew fear;
With patient word and gentle art,
He brought God’s Light to mind and heart.

He answered not with wrathful flame,
Nor sought for gold or earthly fame;
But through the wisdom God had given,
He turned men's thoughts from earth to Heaven.
He taught that life is sacred still,
Not ours to wound by cruel will;
For every soul bears God above,
And each was fashioned by His Love.

He mourned the Cross on Calvary’s hill,
Where Christ fulfilled the Father’s Will;
The Holy Son of God was slain,
Yet rose to break the bonds of pain.
O saint of Athens, pure and mild,
You showed the Face of God’s dear Child;
The loving Lord whose mercies' breadth,
Outshine the sword and conquer death.

Through writings filled with grace and peace,
You taught that hatred too may cease;
That gentle truth and reason fair,
Can lift the soul from deep despair.
And now, dear saint, for us entreat,
That Christ may guide our wandering feet;
That we may take life’s pen each day,
And write God’s Truth along our way.

Within the parchment of the soul,
May Christ the King become the whole;
That all we think and say and do,
May bear His gentle Light anew.
Then when our earthly race is trod,
And we ascend to Heaven and God,
May you behold with joyful gaze
The fruits of faithful Christian ways.

May you then know us there above
By mercy, gentleness, and love;
For in our hearts Christ’s Voice shall ring  -
The Truth you served while witnessing.

This song may be sung to the public domain tune of “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” (also known as the Passion Chorale), which carries a solemn and devotional beauty fitting for Saint Athenagoras of Athens.

This song was inspired by the life and works of Saint Athenagoras.

CHURCH FATHERS: A Plea for the Christians

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0205.htm

With thanks to newadvent.org

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Divine Light shines upon Saint Athenagoras"