09/07/2026
of Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer! ☦️ Saint Kassiani is best known for her famous Lenten hymns: One sung during Matins on Holy Wednesday on the subject of the woman who had fallen into many sins, which is based on Saint Luke's Gospel. The other is sung in the Canon of Matins for Holy Saturday, and is repeated at the Midnight Office on Holy Pascha: "Do not weep for me, O Mother, beholding in the tomb the Son Whom thou hast conceived without seed in thy womb, for I shall arise..."
She was tonsured about the year 820, and founded a convent on Xerolophos, one of Constantinople's seven hills. There, she led an ascetic and philosophical life which was pleasing to God. She was an energetic Igoumeness who not only regulated the life of the convent, but also found time to pursue her literary interests. She combined the talents of poet, theologian and musician, writing hymns and composing musical settings for them.
Originally sung by her nuns, many of her compositions have enduring value. At least twenty-three of her hymns were later included in the Church's liturgical books. She is also depicted among the holy ascetics and other monastics in the icon for the Triumph of Orthodoxy on the first Sunday of Lent. (oca.org)
🎵 “In you, O Mother, was preserved with exactness what was according to the image; for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away; but to care for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore, O Venerable Kassiani, your spirit rejoices with the Angels." Troparion — Tone 4
