The 'O' Antiphons
The ‘O’ Antiphons
Beginning on the 17 December of each Advent season, and for the next seven days, a special antiphon known as an O Antiphon is read before the Magnificat during Evening Prayer. Sometimes called the Greater Antiphons, or the O’s of Advent (because they begin with that exclamation), the O Antiphons differ from the daily antiphons because they herald the coming birth of Christ. Originally written in Latin around the seventh or eighth centuries, these special antiphons express humanity’s desire and longing for God, a longing which has existed throughout the history of God’s people, from the beginning of time through Abraham, Moses and David, and fulfilled on the night when Emmanuel (God with us) was born. Each prayer begins with one of the seven titles attributed to Jesus’ Old Testament title for the Messiah.
More News
Saint Clare of Assisi 11 August
At the beginning of the 13th century, when luxury and sensuality held sway, St Francis of Assisi made his appearance, giving to men...Read more
Feast of Saint Lawrence 10 August
Saint Lawrence’s Story
The esteem in which the Church holds Lawrence is seen in the fact that today’s celebration ranks as...Read more
Statement on nuclear weapons
During his historic visit to Japan last year, Pope Francis declared that “the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral,...Read more