Thursday, February 17, 2022

Indian Muslims React to the Chanting of a Popular Greek Orthodox Hymn (video)


In the video below, Indian Muslims react to the chanting of a popular Greek Orthodox prayer known as Agni Parthene (Αγνή Παρθένε).

The popular Common Man Show YouTube channel, with over 20 million views, records the reactions of Indian Villagers and Tribal People trying new food, new songs and other interesting tasks.

In this particular episode, four Indian Muslims are emotionally moved and spiritually uplifted by listening to Agni Parthene. Currently there are nearly 170,000 views.

Agni Parthene, rendered “O Virgin Pure” or “O Pure Virgin”, is a Greek hymn of praise to the Mother of God composed by St. Nektarios of Aegina in the late 19th century, first published in print in his Theotokarion (Θεοτοκάριον, ἤτοι προσευχητάριον μικρόν) in 1905.

In Orthodox churches, it is considered paraliturgical, and therefore only to be used outside of liturgical services.

However, 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.

Technically the chanting is not done in a "Byzantine" style, but it is more of a Greek folk melody inspired by Byzantine melodies. This particular rendition was done by monks from the Monastery of Simonopetra on Mount Athos.