Consecrating a church (1)

Text
Hymn on the Consecration of the Church at Qennešrin (= Chalcis) by the Bishop Balai: (4) For it is no ordinary dwelling; it is heaven on earth, for (heaven’s) lord is within, and instead of the ‘Watchers’ pure priests minister in it to the Godhead.
(5) A dwelling on high, a house here below, yet not separate, but entirely fitting. …
(9) That he may be accessible to earth-dwellers, he has built himself a house among those with bodies. He has established altars like mangers where the Church may feed on life.
(10) Make no mistake, the King is here; let us enter the sanctuary and see him. Here where sickness finds access the Physician is standing, waiting for it. …
(14) The place is adorned, crowned with glory, for this is the festal day of the wedding; new is the bridechamber, Christ is the Bridegroom, the ‘Watchers’ are exulting, men are giving thanks. The altar is established, robed in truth; the priest is standing, he kindles the fire. He takes bread and gives the Body, he receives wine and distributes the Blood. The altar of stones supports (our) hope and the pure priest calls on the Spirit. The gathered people cries out ‘Holy!’, the King hears and makes mercy flow. …
(23) The priests who are a temple of thy Spirit have shown zeal for the building of thy house.

Source (list of abbreviations)
Hymn on the Consecration of the Church at Qennešrin (= Chalcis) by the Bishop Balai

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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