Ⲓⲥ Ⲑⲉⲣⲙⲉⲅⲓ
George Ghaly
This unique hymn is said during the Paramoun of the Nativity feast. An analysis of the hymn reveals unique characteristics. This hymn is one of the few hymns in the Coptic Church that has no translation. The unique usage of Greek, Bohairic and Sahidic Coptic suggests that the hymn was written in Upper Egypt in Late Sahidic. See A Contextual, Historical and Grammatical Analysis of Ⲧⲉⲛⲉⲛ, A Unique Coptic Hymn for an explanation of Late Sahidic and for a comparasion to Ⲧⲉⲛⲉⲛ. This essay will propose a translation for Ⲓⲥ ⲑⲉⲣⲙⲉⲅⲓ and analyze the grammar and context of the hymn.
Before we examine the hymn itself, it is prudent to comment on the rubrics of the hymn. Why is this hymn designated for the Nativity Paramoun and what is the meaning of the Paramoun? The word paramoun is derived from Greek. It is a compound word formed by combining παρα, which means alongside, and μουνος, which means solitude or isolated. Paramoun is an ecclesiastical term designating a higher degree of repentance, fasting and prayer. The Church calls the faithful to extend their ascetic practice in preparation of the major Lordly feasts. The Church calls the faithful to increase their solitude from the world, society and sin. This increased solitude works alongside the repentance, fasting and prayer already prescribed by the Church. In the case of Nativity Feast, the faithful is called to repent, fast and prayer 43 days during the Advent Fast. The added asceticism prescribed during the Paramoun days is not meant to replace the Advent fasting but supplement alongside it.
The hymn has many ambiguous Greek words. The absence of a translation verifies that Arabic translators could not reconcile the ambiguity. In order to reconcile this ambiguity, one must transform the Greek/Coptic to conform with current Coptic grammar and linguistics. This does not mean the original Greek/Coptic is wrong but simply a variation of modern Coptic, much like Shakespearean English is a variation of modern English.
There are many phrases that are characteristic of Coptic theology and linguistics. The word ⲫⲩⲗⲏ, tribes, is a euphemism for Gentiles. Christ's Nativity is the day when He became a native of the human race and the tribes or the Gentiles became natives of God's salvation. The entire hymn is a call for the faithful to come worship like the Magi came to worship Christ. It is also a call for the unfaithful to put away their unfaithfulness as Gentiles and believe.
The hymn utilizes common Old Testament images. Such images include The Ancient of Days and Aaron's Rod. There is an image in verse 10 that seems to be misplaced. Aaron's censer did not have branches. It is likely that the author meant Aaron's Rod, which he introduced in verse 9. One possible answer is that the unknown Coptic word Ⲧϣⲉⲣⲟϥ is not a misspelling of туотри but something else. However, the censer in Aaron's hands is a common image of the Virgin. More research is needed to reconcile this image.
Finally, it should be greatly emphasized that this modified Coptic text and translation is only preliminary. Many words were changed to reconcile the ambiguity, sometimes the modified word is too far away from the original work. In fact, verse 11 could not be reconciled and no translation is provide. The certainty of this reconciliation needs more research to verify the changes. May God provide us with knowledge to reveal the beauty of this unique hymn.
In the summer, the Magi offered the king understanding and worship. Come worship. Come sing strong.
Worthily, the Magi forever changed the hearts of all the tribes of the earth. These, and us all, worship Him who was born and who suffered.
The Magi looked. Truly the Living made the Magi speechless when He became God. There is no reed mat worthy of the holiness.
The Magi saw the signs revealed to them when they glorified. The Magi offered their gifts praising God who was born, who received them and whom we glorify.
And a virgin, (gave birth?) to the Incarnate Word of God. The tribes were instructed of the mystery of the Theotokos of Emmanuel.
The Ancient Being came to the virgin. She gave birth to our Mighty God. God revealed the mystery of Emmanuel that was set in motion.
My Lord, the patient Lord, the Physician of wondrous glory - today He lowered himself to the tribes. Come let us bless (Him) with them.
Send the spirit (of the Magi) that came to proclaim Him. And (that) truth that was proclaimed is in Him. All you tribes of the earth, let us bless Him."
The Rod of Aaron (blossomed and gave?) birth (while also?) destroying (the unbelief?) of our hearts. Come, worship.
The censer in Aaron's hands is a spiritual sign. Its new branches are the Hebrew inquirers, the Magi, All of us come to worship.
The Light from Light has filled us all with joy. Sing O Magi. The unbelievers - let them believe because of the Coming of Christ.