Akathist

An Akathist ( Ἀκάθιστος Ὕμνος, non- seated) is a hymn in the Eastern Church, which is dedicated to the persons of the Trinity, a saint or a religious festival. The word derives from the fact that the believers, is sung during hymn that should be available.

Structure

If an Akathist is chanted alone, he is often initiated by an Orthodox Liturgy of the Hours. Liturgy of the Hours then includes a Trisagion ( thrice holy: " Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us "). The Akathist may also be part of another Orthodox worship, such as a Orthros or Moleben.

The hymn itself is divided into thirteen sections, each containing a Kontakion and Ikos one. The Kontakion is usually completed by a hallelujah. After the thirteenth Kontakion, is not followed thirteenth Ikos, but the first Ikos and Kontakion be repeated. This is followed by other prayers such as a Troparion, Kontakion another or Psalms.

Flow during the service

In accordance with usual practice, the Akathist is chanted by a priest or deacon in the middle of the church in front of an icon. If the first Kontakion is read for the first time, the royal door is open and the priest or deacon wear a complete Inzens ( Weihrauchdarbringung ) by the church. In other sections, only a small Inszens is performed on the Ambon in the direction of the important icons and the faithful. During each reading of a section is the priest or deacon by the royal door, which remains open during the entire time. After the end of Akathistos the door is closed.

Known hymns

• Akathist to Jesus Christ, our most merciful Lord ( in conjunction with a prior Supplicatory Canon )
• Akathist to the Divine Passion of Christ
• Akathist to the Holy Trinity
• Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos and Virgin Mary Always