Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: September 7

Saint Kassiani stands as one of the earliest known composers whose musical works are both preserved and decipherable by contemporary scholars and musicians. With approximately fifty hymns still in existence, twenty-three of which are integrated into Orthodox Church liturgical books, her contributions are significant, though the exact count can be challenging due to varying attributions and anonymous works. Beyond her liturgical compositions, some 789 of her non-liturgical verses, often epigrams or aphorisms known as "gnomic verse," also survive, showcasing her sharp intellect and poetic skill.

Born into a wealthy Constantinopolitan family between 805 and 810 AD, Kassiani was renowned for her exceptional beauty and intelligence. She famously participated in a "bride show" for the young Emperor Theophilos the Iconoclast. During this event, Theophilos, captivated by her, made a remark about the negative influence of women (referencing Eve). Kassiani swiftly retorted, highlighting the positive influence of women (referencing the Theotokos and salvation). This terse, witty exchange wounded the emperor's pride, leading him to reject her and choose Theodora as his empress instead.

Following this pivotal encounter, Kassiani founded a monastery in Constantinople around 843 AD and became its first abbess. While some speculate her monastic path was a result of her rejection by Theophilos, historical letters suggest deeper motivations for her spiritual calling. Her close ties with the Stoudios monastery were crucial, as it played a key role in the re-editing of Byzantine liturgical books, thereby ensuring the preservation of her extensive body of work. Her most celebrated piece, the Hymn of Kassiani, continues to be chanted during Holy Wednesday services, cementing her enduring legacy in Orthodox hymnography.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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