"Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" (Latin: Vigiles et Sancti) is a popular Christian hymn written by English hymnist Athelstan Riley (1858–1945), first published in the English Hymnal (1906). It is sung to the 17th-century German tune Lasst uns erfreuen. Its uplifting melody makes this a favourite Anglo-Catholic hymn during the Easter season and other times of great rejoicing.
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The first stanza addresses each of the traditional nine choirs of angels. The second stanza focuses on the Blessed Virgin Mary and is based on ancient Eastern Christian prayers to Mary. The third urges the saints to join in praising God and also urges the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs to join. They are addressed in groups similar to those in the Litany of the Saints. The fourth stanza finally addresses the present congregation and all the living to join together in praise. So in this hymn, all three parts of the church are addressed, the church triumphant, the church expectant, and the church militant, reflecting the belief in the communion of saints.
Ye watchers and ye holy ones, Bright seraphs, cherubim and thrones, Cry out, dominions, princedoms, powers, Virtues, archangels, angels’ choirs: O higher than the cherubim, More glorious than the seraphim, Thou bearer of th’eternal Word, Most gracious, magnify the Lord. Respond, ye souls in endless rest, Ye patriarchs and prophets blest, Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong, All saints triumphant, raise the song. O friends, in gladness let us sing, Supernal anthems echoing, To God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit, Three in One.