When do the deacons sing the melismatic hymn called Ari ebresveveen (other than weddings)?

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

The melismatic hymn Ⲁⲣⲓⲡⲣⲉⲥⲃⲉⲩⲓⲛ (Intercede on our behalf)—specifically the long, melismatic version (ⲗⲁϩⲛ)—is a profound liturgical piece rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition of honoring the ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ (Mother of God).

Aside from its well-known use during the Rite of Crowning (weddings), this hymn is chanted in the following liturgical contexts:

  1. Feasts of the Virgin Mary: It is chanted during the Divine Liturgy on the feasts of St. Mary (such as her Nativity, her Entry into the Temple, and her Departure). It is typically chanted after the Ⲡⲣⲁⲝⲓⲥ (Acts of the Apostles) reading, as the deacons lead the procession of the Lamb, or during the distribution of the Holy Mysteries, depending on the specific local custom and the length of the service.
  2. Monthly Commemoration of the Virgin Mary: On the 21st day of every Coptic month, the Church celebrates the feast of the Virgin Mary. During the Divine Liturgy on this day, the melismatic Ⲁⲣⲓⲡⲣⲉⲥⲃⲉⲩⲓⲛ may be chanted as a special vatic (joyful) hymn of praise.
  3. The Month of Ⲕⲟⲓⲁϩⲕ (Kiahk): During the Kiahk praises, while the focus is often on the ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲓⲁ (Theotokias) and specific ⲙⲟⲇⲓⲁ (Midnight Praises), this hymn is frequently chanted during the Liturgy of the Faithful or during the distribution of the Mysteries to honor the Mother of God during the month dedicated to the Incarnation.
  4. Reception of the Bishop or Patriarch: In some traditions, when a member of the high hierarchy (the Pope or a bishop) is being honored or during specific processions involving the icon of the Virgin Mary, various melismatic hymns, including Ⲁⲣⲓⲡⲣⲉⲥⲃⲉⲩⲓⲛ, can be used to enrich the liturgical atmosphere.

The hymn itself is a beautiful example of Coptic melisma, where the word "Intercede" is extended through a series of complex musical neumes, representing the persistent and deep plea of the Church for the intercessions of the Virgin Mary before the throne of her Son, ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ (Jesus Christ).

Among the notable cantors who have preserved the authentic delivery of such melismatic hymns are Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, Moalem Zaher Andrawes, Moalem George Mikhail, Moalem Mina Makar, and Moalem Milad Nady.

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Topics: Feasts & Fasts · Hymns & Praises · The Virgin Mary · Liturgy & Prayer · Sacraments

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