Chant to Saint Josaphat
Song and lyrics
Chant to Saint Josaphat
Light in the darkness, lamp of the East,
You gave your life for Christ and peace.
Bold in mercy, strong in love,
Crowned in glory from above.
(Refrain) O holy Josaphat, pray for us!
You walked the road of sacrifice,
Held fast to truth, paid the price.
With staff in hand and heart so wide,
You called the flocks from every side.
(Refrain) O holy Josaphat, pray for us!
Bridge the broken, heal the soul,
Make the sundered people whole.
Where there’s hate, plant holy seed,
Where there’s pride, sow humble deed.
(Refrain) O holy Josaphat, pray for us!
Saint of unity, fearless and true,
We turn in prayer to walk with you.
Guide our steps in sacred ways,
Till East and West together praise.
(Refrain) O holy Josaphat, pray for us!
Instrumentation
Style & Genre: Sacred Slavic chant, inspired by Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine liturgical music. Blend elements of Ukrainian and Ruthenian choral tradition with minor-key modal tones (especially Dorian or Aeolian modes).
Tone: Reverent, solemn, and meditative with a subtle undertone of triumph and spiritual resilience. The music should convey both the sorrow of martyrdom and the hope of unity.
Rhythm: Slow and flowing (around 50–60 BPM). Free chant rhythm in verses, with slightly structured refrains. The pace should allow for deep breathing and contemplative prayer.
Instruments:
- Primary: Male a cappella choir or mixed choir (SATB), ideally unaccompanied or with light background drone.
- Optional support:
- Droning harmonium or soft Byzantine-style ison (sustained bass tone)
- Low-register string instrument (e.g., cello or bowed psaltery) for subtle depth
- Church bell chime or distant handbell at transition points (sparingly used)
Voices:
- Deep, resonant male voices for verses (baritone or bass)
- Gentle, ethereal female harmonies (alto/soprano) for refrains or background layering
- Preferably sung in Slavic chant style: no vibrato, pure intonation, solemn delivery
Mood Progression:
- Start in quiet contemplation (reflecting the monastic life)
- Gradual build in harmonic richness and dynamic intensity (reflecting martyrdom and rising hope)
- End with a soft, prayerful refrain fading into stillness
Sample Refrain for Lyrics:
“O holy Josaphat, pray for us…”
(This line can be looped and layered at the end)
