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Sacred Music Library

The Department of Sacred Music is pleased to offer free of charge to you the Liturgical Music PDF Library. For any comments or suggestions, please contact us.

When you look at music on the web site, and wish to download it to replace something else, please look at the footer of the page to see the revision number (Rev. 1, e.g.) or the date to make sure that it is the latest one out there, or at least later than the one you currently have.

The music listed below is in alphabetical order according to either Title, or Season (like Lent or Feast Days), or is Grouped according to type of hymns (such as Antiphons, Communion Hymns, etc.). If it is a Group heading, click on the title of the Group, for example, "Annunciation to the Theotokos," and then all the hymns in that group will unfold under the title.  Then click on the title of the hymn you wish to see or download.

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Keywords

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Displaying All Music with Keyword: Christopher Holwey
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Title & Description Keywords
A
All Saints Sunday, Apolytikion (choral)

This is a choral version of the Apolytikion for All Saints Sunday.  "Thy Church, O Christ God, hath regaled herself . . . ."
Alleluia for warmup of voices

This Alleluia may be sung to warmup your voice before chanting and singing, as you pray at the same time.
Annunciation, Entrance Hymn in the Divine Liturgy

This Entrance Hymn is sung at the Divine Liturgy at the Feast of the Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos, March 25th.  "Proclaim from day to day the glad tidings of the salvation of our God . . . ."  When the Feast or its Leave-taking (March 26) falls on a Sunday, sing "who art risen from the dead."  Updated 2/27/2020.
Annunciation, Prokeimenon at Orthros (Matins)

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros (Matins) on the Feast of the Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos, March 25th, Tone/Mode 4.  "Proclaim from day to day . . . ."  Updated 3/25/2023.
Ascension, Apolytikion [Listen]

This is the Apolytikion (Troparion) sung on the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.  "Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God . . . ."  Updated 5/19/2023.
B
Benedict of Nursia, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung for Our Righteous Father Benedict of Nursia, March 14th.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved . . . ."
Byzantine Guide to the Tones

An introductory help and guide to the scales of each tone for Byzantine Chant.  Updated 8/30/18.
C
Cherubic Hymn [Listen]

Convention music-13H.  The audio file is provided by the SMI Chamber Chorale, Updated on 7/12/19 with the new ending, which is not reflected in the audio file.
Cherubic Hymn No. 2 [Listen]

This is Christopher Holwey's second Cherubic Hymn, written in D-minor/F.  The audio file uses piano and strings for you to hear its tempo and movement, using the translation from the Liturgikon.  "Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim . . . ."  Updated 11/17/2020 (several slurs not extended all the way, throughout).
Constantine & Helen, Apolytikion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Apolytikion of Constantine & Helen, May 21st.  "Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven . . . ."
D
Demetrios the Myrrh-Streaming, Prokeimenon at Orthros

This Prokeimenon is sung at Matins on October 26th for the Great-Martyr Demetrios, the Myrrh-Streaming.  "Wondrous is God in His Saints, the God of Israel."
Dismissal (from Vespers)

Preserve, O God - Glory/Both now; Convention music-46B
Divine Liturgy - 4-part choral

This is a complete setting of music for the Divine Liturgy in E-flat and B-flat.  Updated 8/26/2020.
Dormition of the Theotokos, Apolytikion (Troparion-chant)

Sung from August 15th to the 23rd, for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.  "In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos . . . ."  Updated on 8//2020 with a 2nd version by Chadi.
Dormition of the Theotokos, Apolytikion (Troparion-choral)

Sung from August 15th to the 23rd.  "In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos . . . ."
Dormition of the Theotokos, Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos)

This is the Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos) sung in the Divine Liturgy on August 15th for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.  "All generations bless thee . . . In thee, O spotless Virgin . . . ."  (This is a revised and corrected version, 7/29/17.)
Dormition of the Theotokos, Prokeimenon at Orthros (Matins)

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros on August 15th for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.  "I shall proclaim Thy Name from generation to generation."
E
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 9th Ode (both canons)

This is the complete 9th Ode of both Canons for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21st.  "The Angels, beholding the Entrance of the all-pure one . . . Since thou art a living temple of God . . . Magnify, O my soul, her who was presented . . . Verily, the fruit of the promise did come forth . . . ."  Updated 11/23/18.
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 9th Ode of the First Canon

This is the Ninth Ode of the First Canon for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21st.  "The Angels, beholding the Entrance of the all-pure one . . . Since thou art a living temple of God . . . ."
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 9th Ode of the Second Canon

This is the Ninth Ode of the Second Canon for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21st.  "Magnify, O my soul, her who was presented . . . Verily, the fruit of the promise did come forth . . . ."  Updated 11/23/18.
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, Apolytikion [Listen]

This is the Apolytikion for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21st.  "Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God . . . ."  The music is in Western and Byzantine notation. Updated 10/20/2021.  Audio added 11/2/2022.
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, Apolytikion (choral)

This Apolytikion is the choral version for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21st.  "Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God . . . ."
Bridegroom Matins, Exaposteilarion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Exaposteilarion sung at the Bridegroom Matins served on Palm Sunday evening, Holy Monday & Tuesday evening.  "I behold Thy bridal-chamber richly adorned . . . ."
Holy Friday Matins, Exaposteilarion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Exaposteilarion sung on Holy Thursday night for Holy Friday Orthros.  "Thou didst make the thief worthy of paradise . . . ."
F
Forty Holy Martyrs, Prokeimenon at Orthros

This Prokeimenon is sung during Orthros for the Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebastia, March 9th.  "We went through fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into refreshment."
H
Hymn of Kassiani the Nun

Sung as the Doxastikon of the Aposticha for Holy Wednesday Bridegroom Matins. UPDATED and corrected 7/31/13!
All creation rejoices in thee [Listen]

Sung as the Hymn to the Theotokos for the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (January 1st, the Sundays of Great Lent, Holy Thursday & Holy Saturday morning).  Updated 12/3/2021.
I
Innocent-Apostle to the Americas, Prokeimenon at Orthros

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros for St. Innocent, Apostle to the Americas, October 6th.  "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord."
J
Joseph was amazed, Original melody

Special Melody from 1st Orthros Kathisma-Sunday-T4
K
Pharisee & Publican Sunday (choral), Kontakion [Listen]

First Sunday of the Pre-Lenten Season. "Let us flee the Pharisee's conceited vaunting . . . ."
Forefeast of the Transfiguration of Christ, Kontakion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Kontakion for the Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, August 5th, Prosomoion "On this day thou hast appeared."  "All of mortal nature now divinely shineth . . . ."
Placing of the Belt of the Theotokos, Kontakion

Kontakion sung on August 31-when it falls on a Sunday.  Prosomoion "Thou who wast lifted up."  "O pure Virgin, the Church joyously celebrates . . . ."
Righteous Simeon the Stylite, Kontakion

The Kontakion for the Righteous Simeon the Stylite, September 1st, The Original Melody.  "In seeking the heights . . . ."  Updated 2/6/19.
L
Lazarus Saturday & Palm Sunday, Apolytikion (1st, chant)

This Apolytikion is sung on the Saturday of the Raising of Lazarus the Righteous and on the Feast of Palm Sunday.  "O Christ God, when Thou didst raise Lazarus . . . ."
Palm Sunday, Apolytikion (2nd, chant)

This is the 2nd Apolytikion (Troparion) sung on the Feast of Palm Sunday.  (The 1st is labeled for Lazarus Saturday.)  "O Christ God, when we were buried with thee in Baptism . . . ."
Lent-2nd Sunday of Great Lent

Sunday of Gregory Palamas, 2nd Sunday of Lent, Tone 8/Plagal Fourth Mode.  "O star of Orthodoxy . . . ."  (Updated 2/23/17 - further update pending...")
Lent-2nd Sunday of Great Lent [Listen]

Sunday of Gregory Palamas
M
Mid-Pentecost, Apolytikion (choral)

This is the choral arrangement of the Apolytikion of Mid-Pentecost, sung from the Wednesday of the 4th week of Pascha for one week.  "In the midst of this feast, O Savior . . . ."
N
Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Apolytikion (choral)

This is a choral version of the Apolytikion of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, December 25th.  "Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world . . . ."
Nativity of the Theotokos, Apolytikion-choral

This is the harmonized version of the Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos sung on September 8th.  "Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe . . . ."
Nativity of the Theotokos, Kontakion-choral

This is the choral version of the Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, sung from August 24th - September 12th.  "By thy holy nativity, O pure one . . . ."
Nativity of the Theotokos, Prokeimenon at Orthros

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros (Matins) on September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.  "I shall proclaim Thy Name from generation to generation."  Updated 1/8/18.
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Apolytikion (choral)

This is a choral version of the Apolytikion for St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, December 6th.  "Thy righteous acts have manifested thee to thy flock as a model of faith . . . ."
O
Open To Me The Doors of Repentance

The three hymns are sung as the Post-Gospel Hymns for the Triodion, after Psalm 50, from the Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican to the 5th Sunday of Lent.
P
Come Ye Take Light, To Thy Resurrection (chant)

These two hymns are chanted at the beginning of the Rush Procession, as the priest comes out with the lighted candle, and the people receive the light and begin to process outside.  "Come ye, take light from the Light . . . To Thy Resurrection, O Christ our Savior . . . ."
Pentecost, Kontakion (chant)

This Kontakion is sung on the Feast of Pentecost.  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  "When the High One descended . . . ."
Pentecost, Kontakion (choral)

This is the choral arrangement of the Kontakion sung on the Feast of Pentecost.  "When the high one descended . . . ."
Pentecost, Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos)

This Megalynarion is sung on the Feast of Pentecost.  "O Mother that hath known no man . . . ."  Updated 6/4/2020.
Pentecost, Prokeimenon in Orthros

Sung before the Orthros Gospel, on the Feast of Pentecost.  "Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness."  Updated 11/19/18.
Peter & Paul, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung on June 29th and 30th, for Ss. Peter & Paul.  "O foremost in the ranks of Apostles . . . ."  Updated 6/13/17.
Peter & Paul, Apolytikion (choral)

This Apolytikion is the choral version sung on June 29th and 30th for Ss. Peter & Paul; Convention music-8C.  "O foremost in the ranks of the Apostles . . . ."  Updated 6/13/17.
Phimi of Metropolitan SABA (choral)

This is the choral version of the Phimi sung for Metropolitan SABA, "SABA, the most devout . . . ."
Presanctified Liturgy, A History of

This is a short history of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.
Presentation (Meeting) of our Lord in the Temple, Apolytikion

Apolytikion for the Presentation (Meeting) of the Lord in the Temple.  "Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace . . . ."
Presentation (Meeting) of our Lord in the Temple, Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos) [Listen]

This is the Magnification and the Hiermos of the 9th Ode for the Feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of our Lord in the Temple, February 2nd, sung as the Hymn to the Theotokos in Liturgy.  The audio version is only of the Hiermos itself.  "O Virgin Theotokos . . . In the shadow and letter of the Law . . . ."
Prodigal Son Sunday (choral), Kontakion

Second Sunday of the Pre-Lenten season.  "Foolishly I sprang away from Thy fatherly glory . . . ."
Bright Friday-Most-Holy Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring, Great Prokeimenon

This Great Prokeimenon is sung on Bright Friday for the Most-holy Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring.  "I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength . . . ."
Prokeimenon, for Friday at Vespers

This Prokeimenon is sung at Friday Vespers, Tone 7/Grave Mode.  "Thou, O God, art my helper . . . ."
Prokeimenon, Great-Give Ear, O God, Unto My Prayer

This is the Great Prokeimenon sung during Matins/Orthros.  "Give ear, O God, unto my prayer . . . ."
Prokeimenon-Orthros, I Shall Proclaim Thy Name

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros, usually for Feasts of the Theotokos.  "I shall proclaim Thy Name from generation to generation."
Prokeimenon-Orthros, Precious in the Sight of the Lord

This prokeimenon is sung at Orthros:  "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint(s)."  Updated 12/12/17.
Prokeimenon-Orthros, Thou art a priest forever

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros (Matins):  "Thou art a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
Prokeimenon-Orthros, Thy priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with righteousness

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros:  "Thy priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy righteous shall rejoice."
Prokeimenon-Orthros, Wondrous is God In His Saints

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros (Matins).  "Wondrous is God in His Saints, the God of Israel."
Prokeimenon-Triodion, Let Israel hope in the Lord

This Prokeimenon is from the Lenten Triodion season:  "Let Israel hope in the Lord, henceforth and forevermore."
S
Saturday of Souls, Doxastikon (Glory) at "O Lord, I have cried"

This Glory at "O Lord, I have cried" is sung on Saturday of Souls, Meat Fare Saturday, and the Saturday after Ascension.  "I weep and I wail."  (Simpler version.)
T
Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord, Apolytikion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Apolytikion of Theophany (Epiphany), January 6th.  "When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan . . . ."  Updatged 1/9/2022.
Theophany of our Lord-Prefeast Series

Troparion of the Prefeast (Jan. 2-4), Kontakion (2-5), and Trop. of the Paramon (Jan. 5) of Theophany (January 6) in chant and choral forms: Special Melodies
Thomas Sunday (New Sunday), Apolytikion

This is the Apolytikion (Troparion) sung on Thomas Sunday (New Sunday).  The music is in Western and Byzantine notation.  "While the tomb was sealed . . . ."
Transfiguration, Apolytikion (chant)

Apolytikion for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ (6 August).  "When thou, O Christ our God, wast transfigured on the mountain . . . ."  Updated and corrected music 8/21/2021.
Transfiguration, Apolytikion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Apolytikion of the Transfiguration of our Lord.  "When thou, O Christ our God, wast transfigured on the mountain . . . ."
Transfiguration, Kontakion (chant)

Kontakion for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord (6 August).  "Thou wast transfigured on the mount . . . ."
Transfiguration, Kontakion (choral)

Kontakion for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (6 August).  "Thou wast transfigured on the mount . . . ."
Transfiguration, Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos-chant)

This Megalynarion is sung on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord.  "Now hath been heard . . . ."
Transfiguration, Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos-choral)

This Megalynarion (Hymn to the Theotokos) is sung on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord.  "Now hath been heard . . . ."  Updated 8/7/2022.
Transfiguration, Prokeimenon at Orthros

This Prokeimenon is sung at Orthros (Matins) on August 6th for the Transfiguration of our Lord.  "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name."
Transfiguration, Troparion (choral)

Apolytikion for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ (6 August).  "When thou, O Christ our God, wast transfigured on the mountain . . . ."
Forefeast of Theophany, Apolytikion

Troparion sung from January 2nd - 4th.  Prosomion "Joseph was amazed," hard chromatic version.  "Make ready, O Zebulon, and prepare, O Nephtali . . . ."
Paramon of Theophany, Apolytikion

Troparion sung on January 5th.  Prosomion "Joseph was amazed," hard chromatic version.  "The river Jordan receded of old . . . ."
Prefeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Apolytikion

Troparion sung on August 14th, Prosomion "Be quick to anticipate."  "Come forward, O ye people . . . ."
Cosmas & Damian, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung for Ss. Cosmas & Damian of Rome on July 1st, and for Ss. Cosmas & Damian of Mesopotamia on November 1st.  "O ye silver-hating, wonder-working Saints . . . ."
Euphrosyne, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung for Our Righteous Mother Euphrosyne, September 25th.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved . . . ."
John of Damascus, Apolytikion (choral)

This is a choral version of the Apolytikion of St. John of Damascus, December 4th, using the standard text for a venerable & monastic bishop.  "Thou hast shown thyself, O God-inspired John, as a guide to the Orthodox Faith . . . ."
John of Damascus, Apolytikion (choral)

This is also a choral version of the Apolytikion of St. John of Damascus, December 4th, using the specific text to fit the special melody and Prosomoion "Thy confession," as done in the Antiochian Patriarchate, matching the chant version.  "O ye faithful come, let us on this day . . . ."
Macrina-sister of Basil the Great, Apolytikion

This is the apolytikion for Macrina, sister of Basil the Great.  "Through thee was the divine likeness securely preserved . . . ."
Markellos, Apolytikion

This is sung for Our Righteous Father Markellos, Abbot of the Monastery of the Unsleeping, December 29th.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved . . . ."
Pelagia the Penitent, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung on October 8th for St. Pelagia the Penitent of Antioch.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Pelagia . . . ."
Romanos the Melodist, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung for our Righteous Father Romanos the Melodist, October 1st.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved . . . ."
Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery in Palestine, Apolytikion

This is the Venerable Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery of Palestine. Feast day is October 28th.
Troparion of the 5th Sunday of Great Lent

This Apolytikion is sung for our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt on the 5th Sunday of Great Lent, and also on her Feast Day of April 1st.  "Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved . . . ."   Updated 4/16/19.
V
Veneration of the Chains of the Apostle Peter, Apolytikion

The Apolytikion for the Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Apostle Peter, January 16th.  "Thou hast come to us without leaving Rome . . . ."