St. Kassiani   St. Kassiani was a remarkable woman. She lived in 9th-century Turkey and later in Greece. She was an abbess, poet, composer and hymnographer. Byzantine historians claim that she contended at a “bride show” by which a Byzantine prince was to find a wife. The legend goes that the prince spoke to her, saying “… through woman came the baser things …” — meaning that through Eve’s transgression came original sin. Kassiani replied saying, “… and through woman came the better things …” — meaning that through Mary’s motherhood, Christ’s incarnation would bring salvation. This did not impress the prince since he chose another wife!   St. Kassiani is known to have composed and written at least 50 hymns, and 23 of these are included in Greek Orthodox prayer books. In Greek Orthodox tradition, her most famous hymn, known simply as the “Hymn of Kassia,” is sung annually during Holy Week. It is a beautiful and profound hymn about the sinful woman who cleansed Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her tears and anointed them with fragrant perfumes (Luke 7:36-50).   I hope you are blessed and moved by these words written by St. Kassiani 1,200 years ago by the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit who was present that evening with Jesus and Mary and who is with us today.

Lord, when the woman who had fallen into many sins perceived Your divinity, she assumed the role of a myrrh-bearing woman, and lamenting brought fragrant oils to anoint You before Your burial. "Woe is me," she says. "Night for me is a frenzy without restraint, very dark and moonless, a sinful love-affair. Accept the fountains of my tears, You who draw out from the clouds the water of the sea.  Take pity on me, and incline to the sighing of my heart, You who bowed the heavens by Your ineffable self-emptying. I shall cover Your unstained feet with kisses, and wipe them dry again with the locks of my hair; those feet, whose sound at twilight in Paradise echoed in Eve's ears, and she hid in fear. Who can reckon the multitude of my sins, or fathom the depths of Your judgments, O my life-saving Savior? Do not despise me, Your servant, since without measure is Your mercy."

https://www.holytrinitynr.org/online-resources/hymn-of-kassiani

The Rev. Naomi B. Sundara Chaplain to the Preschool

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