The Beatitudes

The hymn presented here is an example of a Russian form of chant known as “Znamenny Chant” (Знаменный распев). The text consists of the passage from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (as recorded in Matthew 5:1-12)… those are the elements beginning with “Blessed are…” These are interspersed with a refrain inspired by the words of one of the criminals crucified with Christ — one mocks him, while the other asks “Remember me when you enter your kingdom.” This, by the way, is one explanation of why the Russian Orthodox version of the cross has a lower bar that is tilted, with one side pointing up (for the criminal who accepts Christ) and one pointing down (for the one who does not).

The text is presented here in Church Slavonic; scroll down and play the video featuring a choir from Russia’s Valaam Monastery.