Sticheron
A sticheron (plural: stichera) is a type of hymn used in the services or the Daily cycle, while a sticherarion is a book containing the stichera for the morning and evening services throughout the year. Stichera are also found in the Menaion and Octoechos. This word should not be confused with a sticharion (a kind of vestment).
Usage
Stichera are commonly written in cycles on particular themes or for use in particular liturgical contexts. Examples of such themes include:
- The Beatitudes
- Particular saints ("stichera aposticha")
- The Resurrection
Examples of liturgical contexts where stichera are commonly used include:
Stichera are usually sung in alternation with verses from the Psalms or other scriptural sources. In liturgical books, they are designated as having a particular tone.
Settings of stichera are frequently found in recordings of Orthodox liturgical music, some by well known composers.