Christian music

Christian music is music created by or adapted for the Christian church.

Early Church history

Aside from hymns taken from the Bible itself, the earliest hymn still in use today is probably O Gladsome Light (Greek Φως 'Ιλαρον, Phôs Hilaron). In the fourth century, Basil the Great referred to it as already being a rather old hymn.

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Some of the popularity of Arianism in the fourth century can be attributed to the catchy songs that the priest Arius composed in its support. The popularity of the songs helped increase the popularity of his teachings. Ephrem the Syrian composed a number of hymns later in the fourth century that supported what eventually came to be recognised as more orthodox doctrines.

Related Topics:
Arianism - Arius - Ephrem the Syrian

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Troparia and Kontakia are two early forms of hymns that became incorporated into the Church's worship.

Related Topics:
Troparia - Kontakia

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At the conclusion of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, Emperor Justinian I is reputed to have composed a hymn summarizing the council's conclusion, Only begotten Son. That hymn was since incorporated into the Divine Liturgy of John Chrysostom and is still widely sung today.

Related Topics:
Fifth Ecumenical Council - Justinian I - Divine Liturgy - John Chrysostom

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