Kassia: Rejector of Emperors, Composer of the Heavens

Also knows as Casia, Kassiani, or Kassiane

Born: c. 810

Died: 865

Country: Turkey

Culture or Era: Byzantine Empire

Painted icon of Kassia, Byzantine Empire, 8th Century

Kassia was a talented musician, writer, and composer, and is the only known woman whose songs are part of the Byzantine liturgy (religious rites). Born into a wealthy family in Constantinople, the heart of the Byzantine Empire, she was educated in literature, writing, and Christian theology. But it wasn’t just her intellect that made her stand out—it was her bold spirit and ambition.

When she was a teenager she participated in a bride show organized for Theophilos, the young prince of the Byzantine Empire. During the event young ladies were presented and questioned to determine their suitability for the throne. If chosen, Kassia would become the empress-to-be of the entire empire.

"The Emperor Theophilos Chooses His Empress", engraving, 17th century. Kassia would have been one of these women in the background

Kassia caught Theophilos' eye, and he was immediately struck by her beauty. He went up to Kassia and remarked “Through a woman came the worst of the world”, alluding to the Christian figure of Eve who brought sin into the world. Kassia didn’t flinch. As an educated and devout Christian, she promptly responded, “And through a woman also came forth the best of the world”, referring to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ and a symbol of hope and salvation. This response did not amuse Theophilos, who chose another as his wife. 

Kassia was not fazed by the royal rejection. The trappings of royalty would have limited her opportunities, and she had high ambitions to reach. She threw herself into theology, literature, and music, composing beautiful poetry and hymns. When she was happy with her work, she presented it to the church. They loved it, proclaiming her talent and devotion for all to hear.  

Soon Kassia became one of the greatest hymnographers of her time. She wrote more than 50 hymns and over 260 verses of poetry, many of which stand for justice and call out hypocrisy. One of her most famous works, the Hymn of Kassiane, is still sung by Orthodox Christians on Holy Tuesday. To this day, her music continues to be performed by orchestras, choirs, and churches all over the world. 

Kassia didn’t need a throne to make her mark. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in music, poetry, and theology lives on, and has inspired composers for centuries. 

Here is a video of one of her works sung by a choral chant in 2022:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDniRaNUrR9N8&v=niRaNUrR9N8

Here is more of her music, performed by the German female choir VocaMe in 2024:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0ipNUTtDYU