Liturgy & Worship
The Akathist Hymn
The most famous and beloved hymn of the Orthodox Church, dedicated to the Theotokos. An 'akathist' means 'not seated': the congregation stands throughout. Composed in the 5th-6th century (attributed variously to St. Romanos or Patriarch Sergius). Chanted in full during the 5th Saturday of Great Lent and at other times. Contains 24 stanzas alternating 'Rejoice' invocations.
Sources
- Triodion (Lenten liturgical book: contains the full Akathist) archive.org
- St. Romanos the Melodist, Kontakion on the Annunciation (model for the Akathist)
- Menaion (December 9: Conception of the Theotokos, context for Akathist origins) the OCA calendar