==Alternate chanting=={{liturgy}}An '''Antiphonsantiphon''' consists of one or more [[psalm ]] verses (or sentences from Holy Scripture), alternating with verses which contain the fundamental thought of the psalm. The name derives from the traditional practice of their being sung by two choirs, each responding antiphonally to the other.  In modern Orthodox practice, one choir or set of [[chanter]]s may sing all the parts alone, but where there are two choirs or chanters alternating such [[hymn]]s, the music is said to be '''antiphonal'''. The Byzantine churches tend to perform music in an antiphonal fashion more often than the Slavic.

The first three hymns of the [[Divine Liturgy]] are called the 'referred to as ''the antiphons'''. On  Following a liturgical reform in 1838, the Greek tradition (except on [[Mount Athos]]) replaced the older custom of singing verses from the Psalms and [[Beatitudes]] with brief refrains to the Theotokos and to Christ. The Russian tradition continues to follow an older custom and replaces the Psalter and Beatitude antiphons only at great feasts or on weekdays. The older custom followed by the Slavic churches is that on regular Sundays[[Sunday]]s, [[Typical Psalms|the first two antiphons ]] are taken from the [[Old Testament]] Book of [[PsalmsPsalter]], Psalm 102/103 (''(Bless the Lord, O my soul)'' ) and Psalm 145/146 (''(Praise the Lord, O my soul)''). The Third AntiphonIn the Byzantine tradition, the third antiphon typically consists of the [[troparion]] of the day interspersed with psalm verses, while in the Slavic tradition, the third antiphon comes from the [[New TestamentBeatitudes]]. Following the second antiphon, a hymn by the [[Justinian the Great|Emperor Justinian]], ''[[BeatitudesOnly-begotten Son]]'', is always sung. It is a hymn of faith in the divinity of Christ and his incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection as "one of the Holy Trinity" for the [[salvation]] of men. ==Sources==*[http://www.holy-trinity.org/liturgics/krivoshein-greekandrussian.html Some differences between Greek and Russian divine services and their significance] Basil Krivoshein, Archbishop of Brussels and Belgium *[http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=94 The Orthodox Faith] Fr. [[Thomas Hopko]], Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY.

Following the second antiphon, a hymn by the ==External link==*[[Justinian the Great|Emperor JustinianWikipedia:Antiphon]], ''Only-begotten Son'', is always sung. It is a hymn of faith in the divinity of Christ and his incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection as "one of the Holy Trinity" for the salvation of men.

Following the 1838 reform, the Greek tradition (except the [[Mount Athos|Athonite monks]] who kept the old order) replaced the Psalms and Beatitudes with brief appeals to the Theotokos or to Christ. The Russian tradition continue to sing, each Sunday, the two noted psalms and the Beatitudes. They are replaced by other antiphons only at great feasts or on weekdays. ==Source==[httpro://www.holy-trinity.org/liturgics/krivoshein-greekandrussian.html Some differences between Greek and Russian divine services and their significanceAntifon] Basil Krivoshein, Archbishop of Brussels and Belgium [http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=94 The Orthodox Faith] Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY.