The King James Version
Definitely the “Holy, holy” is a thread that runs through all Scipture. In the King James version of the Bible, Revelation 4:8, we read: "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'”
Footnote
The hours I have devoted to reading and researching thus far have proven to be among the most absorbing and pleasurable of my entire “writing’ life – but much more lies ahead. First I must find the dear old man who sent me off on this assignment, and then I hope to find out: WHY?
P.S. One of the reasons i like writing for this publication is that one often gets remarks and reviews, and this time i really look forward to learning from people who are more knowledgeable than i am!
Article comments
1 - barbara barnett
Much of Christian music has its roots in early synagogue music, almost all of which is based on biblical chant modes and motifs. The text Holy, Holy, Holy comes from the Book of Isaiah and is part of his vision of angels attending God. It carried into the Kedusha as well as found its way into an earlier section of the morning liturgy as well. Shema (I think as you suggested) comes from the Book of Deuteronomy (Devarim).
2 - Marie Warder
Thank you for this valuable comment. I'll add it to the knowledge I am trying to accumulate.
3 - Baronius
The Sanctus is the prayer between the Preface and the Eucharistic Prayer.
The Mass consists of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Preface marks the beginning of the latter. The Preface has different texts, but they always make reference to the angels adoring God. Then comes the Sanctus.
The Sanctus repeats the prayers of the angels in Isaiah, then mirrors the hosannah of the crowds at Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem. The Sanctus therefore connects the Old and New Testaments, and connects the worship of God in Heaven to the worship of Jesus in the Eucharist. It also follows the life of Jesus, from his teaching ministry (the Word) to the Last Supper (the Eucharist).
4 - Marie Warder
More very welcome info for which I thank you.
5 - Elaine Murray
Marie, I tried to scan your precious little note for you, but it was in such poor condition that I have been obliged to type it for you. ... Here goes...
THE SANCTUS
WAS THE SANCTUS "BORROWED" FROM THE SYNAGOGUE?............... AND, IF SO, WHEN?
IN CHRISTIAN LITURGY, IT FIRST APPEARS IN THE 4TH CENTURY IN A NON-EUCHARISTIC CONTEXT IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN DERIVED FORM THE "KEDUSHA," FOR WHICH SEE ISAIAH 63 OF THE SYNAGOGUE LITURGY. ALSO SEE REVELATION 4:8.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND FROM MY OWN BOOKS
PETER
6 - Marie Warder
You have no idea how thrilled I am to receive your message - and how grateful! It is very precious to me now, and three other people have tried to scan it, but with each attempt, it has only become more ragged.
7 - John Roddam
There was a 19th C. controversy between the High and Low Churchmen over the second part of the Sanctus, commonly found in contemporary Anglican Prayer Books. The High Churchmen loved the Benedictus Qui Venit because Jesus said, "You will not see me again until they say 'Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!'" The AngloCatholics felt this liturgical addition affirmed the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Low Church Evangelicals hated the phrase, attached to the Sanctus and often sought to omit it in various editions of the Prayer Book... interesting!
8 - Marie Warder
It certainly is interesting!... How much I am learning; how much is coming to light just because of a tattered little piece of paper! -
Thank you for your comment.