Oxyrhynchus Hymn (P. Oxy. XV 1786) Early Christian Hymn | Floating Acrylic Frame

The oldest surviving Christian hymn with both lyrics and musical notation, praising the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on real Egyptian papyrus.

About This Manuscript

The Oxyrhynchus Hymn (P. Oxy. XV 1786) is the oldest surviving manuscript of a Christian Greek hymn to preserve both complete lyrics and musical notation. Dating to the late third century AD and discovered at Oxyrhynchus, Egypt in 1918, this papyrus records a Greek hymn of praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, calling for cosmic stillness as all creation joins in worship. The musical notation follows the system of classical Greek vocal music, providing extraordinary evidence that early Christians adapted the musical culture of the Greco-Roman world for Christian praise. This ancient Christian hymn replica was selected for use by the cast of The First Hymn, a documentary film featuring historian John Dickson and worship leaders Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding.

Textual Significance

The Oxyrhynchus Hymn bridges theology, liturgy, and music in a single ancient fragment. Its Trinitarian address to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit confirms that Trinitarian theology was embedded in Christian worship well before the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Its survival with musical notation intact is unparalleled in the ancient record.

About This Replica

This museum-quality early Christian hymn replica is produced through a detailed hand-crafted replication process on real Egyptian papyrus. Particular attention is given to manuscript scale, Greek letterforms, musical notation marks, layout, and the visual character of the papyrus.

Display & Presentation

Presented in a floating acrylic frame. Featured in The First Hymn documentary with Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding. Optional display stand available for $20.

Stand NOT included unless selected at checkout.