A '''Kontakion''' (also ''kondakion'' , ''kondak'', and ''kontak''; plural ''kontakia'', ''kondakia'') is a type of thematic [[hymn ]] in the [[Orthodox]] [[Church]] and other Eastern [[Introduction to Orthodox Christianity|Christian]] churches. Originally, the kontakion was an extended [[homily]] in verse. In current practiceconsisting of one or two proemia (preliminary stanzas) followed by several strophes called ''oikoi'' (also ''ikoi''; singular ''oikos'', only the first stanza and the [[''ikos]] are sung''), when they are appointedusually between 18 and 24. It is not sung at [[vespers]], but it is sung at most of The kontakia were so long that the text was rolled up on a pole for use in the other services -- the genesis of the day. According to tradition, Saint [[Roman the Melodist]] wrote the first name kontakion, which means "from the Kontakion for pole" in Greek. It is typical of the [[Nativity|Birth]] form that each of Our Lord, by divine inspiration. Legend aside, Roman established the kontakion in the form it retained for centuries, proemia and he is strophes end with the most famous composer same refrain. Acrostics are also a hallmark of kontakiathis hymnographic form.

According to tradition, [[Saint]] [[Roman the Melodist]] wrote the first kontakion, the Kontakion for the [[Nativity|Birth]] of Our Lord, by divine inspiration. Legend aside, Roman established the kontakion in the form it retained for centuries, and he is the most famous composer of kontakia.  :Today the [[Theotokos|Virgin ]] gives birth to the Transcendent One,

:Angels [[Angel]]s with shepherds glorify Him!:The [[Magi|wise men ]] journey with a star!

:—''Kontakion for [[Christmas]]'', Roman the Melodist ==See also==*[[Special:Whatlinkshere/Kontakion|Find kontakion on OrthodoxWiki]] - See the pages on saints or feast days for other Kontakion.