'''Kontakion''' (also ''kondakion'' and ''kontak''; plural ''kontakia'') is a type of thematic hymn in the [[Orthodox]] [[Church]] and other Eastern [[Christian]] churches. Originally, the kontakion was an extended [[homily]] in verse. In current practice, only the first stanza and the [[ikos]] are sung, when they are appointed. It is not sung at [[vespers]], but it is sung at most of the other services of the day.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 Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,:And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!:Angels with shepherds glorify Him!:The wise men journey with a star!:Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!:''Kontakion for Christmas'', Roman the Melodist