How long is the hymn Pekethronos?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

The hymn Ⲡⲉⲕⲉⲑⲣⲟⲛⲟⲥ (Pek-ethronos), which means "Your Throne," is an ancient and profound melismatic hymn sung during the Feast of the Cross and on Palm Sunday.

Because it is a "Great Hymn" (ⲡⲓϩⲱⲥ ⲉⲑⲣⲉϣ), its length depends almost entirely on the speed and the school of the cantor (Moalem) leading the congregation. However, here are the general timeframes:

• Average Duration: In a standard liturgical setting, it typically lasts between 12 and 18 minutes.
• Melismatic Structure: The hymn is exceptionally long because it is sung in the "Long Tune." It consists of several long "melismas" (vocal stretches on a single vowel).
• The Text: Despite its musical length, the text is very brief, taken from Psalm 45:6-7:

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

Ⲡⲉⲕⲉⲑⲣⲟⲛⲟⲥ ⲫⲛⲟⲩϯ ϣⲁ ⲉⲛⲉϩ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲡⲓⲉⲛⲉϩ...

Leading Authorities and Versions:

When listening to or learning this hymn, the versions provided by the great Moalemeen (Cantors) of our Church are the standard:

• Moalem Ibrahim Ayad: His rendition is widely used in the Cathedral and is characterized by a powerful and steady pace.
• Moalem Gad Lewis: Known for his precision and traditional delivery of the Great Hymns.
• Moalem George Mikhail: In his Hymns School, he teaches the St. Didymus curricula, ensuring that the complex transitions of Ⲡⲉⲕⲉⲑⲣⲟⲛⲟⲥ are preserved accurately for the youth.
• Other notable cantors for this hymn include Moalem Zaher Andrawes, Moalem Mina Makar, and Moalem Milad Nady.

While the hymn takes a significant amount of time to chant, it is a centerpiece of Coptic Orthodox worship, representing the eternal nature of the Throne of God (ⲫⲛⲟⲩϯ).