CHERUBIMIC HYMN (CHERUBIC HYMN) – The hymn sung at Divine Liturgy just before the Great Entrance, broken off during the Entrance and finished when the priest has placed the chalice and paten on the altar. The Cherubic Hymn is the primary cherubikon, or song of the angels, sung during every Divine Liturgy of the year except those of Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday. The Cherubic Hymn was added to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by order of the Emperor Justinian near the end of the sixth century.
“Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and chant the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, lay aside all earthly cares.
(After the Great Entrance)
“That we may raise on high the King of all, Who comes invisibly upborne by the Angelic Hosts. Alleluia.”