Tongues of Fire

Fifty days after the Resurrection, the promised Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, descended upon the Apostles in tongues of fire — transforming frightened disciples into fearless witnesses. Orthodox Christianity has celebrated this cosmic moment with some of its most magnificent music, from ancient Byzantine chant to contemporary works from across the Orthodox world.

Central to our celebration is the ecstatic Teleutaion (Final Antiphon) of the Kneeling Vespers from Cappella Romana’s acclaimed recording Byzantium in Rome. This monumental 13th-century chant from Grottaferrata Abbey near Rome features extended psalmody on Psalm 18 and exuberant settings of “Alleluia,” capturing the wonder of that first Pentecost—”speaking in tongues,” Byzantine style.