Evensong for the Feast of Kassiani

The Cathedral Choir offers contemplative music for the Feast of Kassiani, a 9th-century Byzantine poet and hymnographer.

About Kassiani:

Kassiani (c. 810–865), or Kassia, was a Byzantine abbess, poet, and composer—one of the earliest known female hymnographers whose works are still sung in the Orthodox Church. Born in Constantinople, she was renowned for her intellect and wit; her sharp retort to Emperor Theophilos at a bride-show became legendary. A defender of icons during the iconoclast controversy, Kassiani founded a convent and composed many hymns, including the famous Hymn of Kassiani, sung during Holy Week. She is commemorated as a saint on September 7.