Harp of Glory: An African Akathist

Popular Patristics Series #39

by John Anthony McGuckin

The Harp of Glory is a major medieval hymn sounding the praises of the Theotokos, from the heart of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in its Golden Age. It is a text hardly known in the Orthodox or Western churches, even though it is truly a religious and literary treasure of world significance. It approaches closely to the character and genius of the Byzantine Akathist to the Mother of God (which it seems to know in part) but is so profoundly rooted in a different indigenous experience that it surely deserves the title of “An African Akathist.” This beautiful lyrical poem will be of interest to all who follow the rise of biblical exegesis in the ancient church, and forms of the great devotion to the Mother of God that is characteristic of the eastern churches. It is also an exquisitely crafted love song to the Virgin (troubadour style), from a monk scholar-musician wandering the highlands of Ethiopia, long ago.

Genres: Poetry, Christianity, Spirituality, Africa

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2010

About the author

John Anthony McGuckin is the Nielsen Emeritus Professor of Byzantine Christian Studies at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, and currently professor of early Christianity in the Theological Faculty of Oxford University. An archpriest of the Romanian Orthodox Church and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he has written more than thirty scholarly books. He lives in the UK.

Reviews

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, I like Non- Chalcedonian poetry

[Tynan Brooks]

A beautiful Ethiopian hymn to Mary, nice to read it daily over Lent. I really appreciate seeing glimpses of pre-colonial African Christianity.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating work and the poet’s command of scripture is incredible. Oof is it long though, so I found myself sleep-reading much of it and probably missing the beauty of the poets many many allusions.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual Fr. McGuckin's intro was stellar. To me it alone was worth the price of the book. I will admit, that at least for how I read a book and what I'm looking for, the actual Hymn which is the content of the majority of the book, became after awhile a walk through a very long poem. The author of the Hymn demonstrates a fantastic command of Scripture and is able to weave the most obscure biblcial quotes and references into the very long hymn. But that lost its charm after awhile. The appeal for the Virgin's help remained the same throughout, but as the reader of it (I didn't try to pray it) my mind couldn't continue to absorb its value.

[Don Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book that is not a 'book'. You won't 'read' it to the end if that's only what you plan. Instead you must 'pray' it, then you will see its immense value

[Brooke]

Months after reading this book and it has still had a significant impact on me. I am not Catholic or Orthodox and I don't suppose I ever will be, but this text of hymns gave me a new appreciation and respect for the Mother Mary. I have always supposed the Protestant faith did not give the mother of Jesus quite the reverence she deserved, but never really understood where the Catholic faith was coming from. After a semester of study dedicated to the most complex and deep theology of each branch of Christian faith, I have been amazed at the long lasting traditions of the Catholic Church. Saints are still a foreign concept for me, but I see the respect given to these men and women who dedicated their lives in service to God.