The Harp of Glory is a major hymn of the medieval period that is scarcely known in mainstream Orthodox or Western churches, and derives from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church during the height of it's glory in the Middle Ages. Originating as a exquisitely crafted love song to the Virgin Mary from a monk scholar-musician wandering the highlands of Ethiopia, The Harp of Glory is essentially an 'An African Akathist' that sings the praises of the Most Holy Theotokos in alphabetically arranged acrostic stanzas. A deeply religious and literary treasure of great renown in the Christian East, The Harp of Glory reads beautifully as a lyrical poem and will be of immediate interest to students of Church History and Eccesiology.
About the Popular Patristics Series The Popular Patristics series published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press provides readable and accurate translations of a broad range of early Christian literature to a wide audience--from students of Christian history to lay Christians reading for spiritu7al benefit.
Recognized Patristic scholars provide short but comprehensive and clear introductory essays according to their specializations for each volume.
Texts include classics of Christian literature, thematic volumes, homily collections, letters, spiritual guidance, and poetical works from a wide variety geographical contexts and historical backgrounds. The purpose of the series is to mine the riches of the early church and to make these invaluable writings available to all.
