All Saints Day

Today, of course, is All Saints Day.  My favorite hymn about the saints is "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" and my congregation will be singing it on Sunday.  The hymn contains verses praising the angels, Mary, and the saints:

Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
Bright seraphs, cherubim and thrones,
Raise the glad strain, Alleluia!
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, powers,
Virtues, archangels, angels’ choirs:

(Refrain)

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

O higher than the cherubim,
More glorious than the seraphim,
Lead their praises, Alleluia!
Thou bearer of th’eternal Word,
Most gracious, magnify the Lord.

(Refrain)

Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
Ye patriarchs and prophets blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong,
All saints triumphant, raise the song.

(Refrain)

O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One.

(Refrain)

Here is a beautiful version of the hymn, sung by the choir of St. Anne's Cathedral (Anglican) in Belfast: