CD Hymns of the Nativity (St Symeon Choir, Birmingham Alabama)

This extensive two disc recording presents a selection of hymns from the Great Compline, Festal Matins, and Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, as well as a few traditional Orthodox carols from the Ukrainian and Carpatho-Russian traditions. Looking ahead to the glorious Feast of Theophany (which used to be celebrated by the Church together with the Nativity as one grand Feast, that of the God-Man Jesus Christ and the manifestation of the worship of the Holy Trinity), the Troparion of Theophany has been included as the final track. It is Aleksandr Kastalsky’s arrangement of the ancient Znamenny Chant, and is a first-time recording in English by a full choir.

In addition, there are seven other first-time recordings of chants/hymns in English: Tracks 1, 6, the sessional hymn portion of Track 11, Tracks 13, 16, 23, and 28. There are three hymns from the ancient Byzantine Chant tradition - Tracks 5, 9, and 17. May the holy joy that filled the cave in Bethlehem and the peace of the Incarnate Christ be ever in your hearts, both during the Advent season and throughout the year!