Alleuia, Behold the Bridegroom  is a 18th century Russian choral song. This recording is by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir.

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I first heard it at a funeral service.  There were five of us present to say goodbye to a remarkable man who flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain.

 

Inspired by Jesus' parable of the Ten Bridesmaids the song is sung in the first days of Holy week. It is a song of waiting, anticipation and adoration - preparing for the rejoicing of Easter morning.

 

There come moments when we should seek to listen without trying to understand; allowing the song to speak to us as it will.

 

 

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Behold! The Bridegroom comes at midnight.
And blessed is the servant

whom He shall find watching
and unworthy also is the servant

whom He shall find unheeding.

Take care,! therefore, O my soul.

Do not be burdened by sleep
in case you surrender yourself to sleep

and be shut out by the Kingdom;

But wake  yourself up, crying out:
'Holy! Holy! Holy art Thou O our God;
Through the Mother of ,

have mercy on us.'"

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