The ancient Eastern Church developed a rich hymnody, rising steadily in the fourth century until it reached its culmination in the eighth and ninth centuries. Since it employed the Greek and Syriac languages, its hymnic treasures remained almost completely hidden and unknown to the English speaking churches for many centuries. It is only in recent years, through the efforts of scholars like John Mason Neale and Edward Caswall that some of the Eastern hymns have been translated and made available for modern use. Eastern hymns are characterized by an objective, dignified, contemplation of God. Except when confessing sin and unworthiness, they contain nothing of the subjective feelings of the worshipper such as is found in many modern hymns. Though there is very little in the _Hymnary_ from the Eastern Church, our collection is enriched by the inclusion of a small number of hymns from this source. Greek Hymns in the Hymnary Clement of Alexandria, 170-220, “Shepherd of tender youth” (398) Candle Lighting Hymn, “O gladsome light” (34) Synesius, c. 375-430, “Lord Jesus, think on me” (196) St. Germanus, 634-734, “A great and mighty wonder” (526) St. John of Damascus, 8th century, “The day of resurrection” (115) “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain” (113) St. Stephen the Sabaite, 725-94, “Art thou weary, heavy-laden” (143) Candle Lighting Hymn, “Darkening night, the land doth” (32) 4. Hymns of the Western Church: Latin. Two great names are associated with the music of the Western Church: Ambrose, c. 340-97, known as the “Father of Hymnody in the Western Church;” and Gregory the Great, 540-604, the missionary-minded pope, and reformer of church music. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, not only composed hymns and music but stimulated others to do the same. Under his leadership there developed a large body of church music based upon four scales, which came to be known as Ambrosian Chant. Although widely known as a scholar, theologian, and preacher, Ambrose’s most lasting influence was upon the music of the church. None of his hymns are found in our collection.