An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Dignus es

Canticle based on Rv 4:11; 5:9-10, 13, which describes hymns sung before the One seated on the heavenly throne and to the Lamb in the heavenly vision. These may be drawn from early Christian hymns. Dignus es is also known as A Song to the Lamb. It identifies Christ as the “Lamb that was slain,” who redeemed with his blood for God “From every family, language, people, and nation, a kingdom of priests to serve our God.” It appears as Canticle 18 in Morning Prayer, Rite 2 (BCP, pp. 93-94). The BCP suggests its use after the NT Reading at Morning Prayer on Tuesday and Friday (p. 144). It may be used in either Rite 2 or Rite 1 services. The Hymnal 1982 Accompaniment Edition, Vol. 1, provides a variety of musical settings for the Dignus es (S 261-S 266). Dignus es would be appropriate for use as the song of praise in the eucharistic entrance rite during Easter.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.