Difference between revisions of "Akathist"
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An '''akathist''' (Greek, ''akathistos'') is a hymn dedicated to a [[saint]], [[Great Feasts|holy event]], or one of the persons of the [[Holy Trinity]]. The word ''akathist'' itself means "not sitting." The akathist ''par excellence'' is that written in the 6th century to the [[Theotokos]]. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during [[Great Lent]]), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, '''''Chairetismoi''''' and '''''Madayeh''''', respectively. | An '''akathist''' (Greek, ''akathistos'') is a hymn dedicated to a [[saint]], [[Great Feasts|holy event]], or one of the persons of the [[Holy Trinity]]. The word ''akathist'' itself means "not sitting." The akathist ''par excellence'' is that written in the 6th century to the [[Theotokos]]. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during [[Great Lent]]), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, '''''Chairetismoi''''' and '''''Madayeh''''', respectively. | ||
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The [[Trisagion Prayers]] are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a [[kontakion]] and an [[oikos]]. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a [[troparion]] and another kontakion. In some akathists, [[Psalms]] are also included. | The [[Trisagion Prayers]] are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a [[kontakion]] and an [[oikos]]. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a [[troparion]] and another kontakion. In some akathists, [[Psalms]] are also included. | ||
| − | ==Akathist to the Theotokos== | + | ==Akathists== |
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| + | ===Relating to the Trinity=== | ||
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| + | '''Akathist to''' | ||
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| + | *the [[Holy Trinity]] | ||
| + | *[[Jesus|Our Lord, the Most Sweet Jesus]] - [http://www.monachos.net/other/akathist_to_christ.shtml 1], [http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathistlordjesus_en.htm 2], [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/marc89107/part_CC.html 3], [http://pages.prodigy.net/frjohnwhiteford/akswjs.htm 4] | ||
| + | <!-- I don't actually know what languages these are in. :[http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathistlordjesus_tw.htm Taiwanese], [http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathistlordjesus_cn.htm Cantonese] ---> | ||
| + | *Jesus Christ for a Loved One who has Fallen Asleep | ||
| + | *the [[Pasion|Divine Passion of Christ]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=17 1], [http://www.monachos.net/other/akathist_passion.shtml 2] | ||
| + | *Jesus, Light to those in Darkness - [http://www.archdiocese.ca/moreAkathist.pdf 1] (PDF) | ||
| + | *the [[Holy Spirit]] | ||
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| + | ===Relating to the Theotokos=== | ||
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| + | [[Image:Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos icon.jpg|right|frame|Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos]] | ||
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When the word ''akathist'' is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the [[Theotokos]], attributed to St. [[Romanos the Melodist]] (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in [[Great Lent]]; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the [[Orthros]] of the fifth [[Saturday]] of [[Great Lent]]. In [[monastery|monasteries]] of [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at [[Compline]]. | When the word ''akathist'' is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the [[Theotokos]], attributed to St. [[Romanos the Melodist]] (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in [[Great Lent]]; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the [[Orthros]] of the fifth [[Saturday]] of [[Great Lent]]. In [[monastery|monasteries]] of [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at [[Compline]]. | ||
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The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the ''Chairetismoi'' (from the ''Chaire!'' so often used in the hymn), consists of [[Compline]] with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the ''Madayeh''. | The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the ''Chairetismoi'' (from the ''Chaire!'' so often used in the hymn), consists of [[Compline]] with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the ''Madayeh''. | ||
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| − | + | '''Akathist of the''' | |
| − | *'''Akathist to the Holy Virgin Theotokos''' (by St. Romanus the Melodist) | + | |
| − | :[http://www.monachos.net/other/akathist_to_theotokos.shtml], [http://www.stsymeon.com/akathist.html], [http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/liturgical_texts/vaporis_akathist.asp], [http://www.bright.net/~palamas/CyberPsaltiri/Triodion/FriSalutations.htm], [http://www.stirene.org/Resources/library/liturgical_AkathistHymn.htm], [http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Akathist.htm], [http://www.saintdemetrios.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Akathist.htm], [http://www.pomog.org/akathist.shtml], [http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/akathis.html], [http://www.gocanada.org/Akathyst%20Hymn.htm], [http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/m_akathist_e.htm], [http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Akathist.htm | + | *[[Nativity of the Theotokos|Birth of the Theotokos]] |
| − | :[http://www.stnicholasla.com/AKATHIST.htm English/Arabic | + | *[[Presentation of the Theotokos|Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Annunciation]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Protection of the Mother of God|Protection (or Covering) of the Theotokos]] |
| − | + | *[[Dormition|Dormition of the Theotokos]] | |
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| − | * | + | '''Akathist to the''' |
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| − | + | *'''Holy Virgin Theotokos''' (by St. Romanus the Melodist) | |
| − | * | + | :English - [http://www.monachos.net/other/akathist_to_theotokos.shtml 1], [http://www.stsymeon.com/akathist.html 2], [http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/liturgical_texts/vaporis_akathist.asp 3], [http://www.bright.net/~palamas/CyberPsaltiri/Triodion/FriSalutations.htm 4], [http://www.stirene.org/Resources/library/liturgical_AkathistHymn.htm 5], [http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Akathist.htm 6], [http://www.saintdemetrios.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Akathist.htm 7], [http://www.pomog.org/akathist.shtml 8], [http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/akathis.html 9], [http://www.gocanada.org/Akathyst%20Hymn.htm 10], [http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/m_akathist_e.htm 11], [http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Akathist.htm 12], [http://www.unmercenary.com/pdf/Akathist.PDF 13] (PDF) |
| − | * | + | :Other - [http://www.stnicholasla.com/AKATHIST.htm 14] (English/Arabic), [http://www.pagesorthodoxes.net/mere-de-dieu/md-acathiste.htm 15] (French), [http://vi06n140.members.eunet.at/ugcc/eunet_02/AkathistosDt.pdf 16] (German-PDF), [http://www.saintdemetrios.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Xairetismoi.htm 17] (Greek), [http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/spanish/akathisto_virgen.htm 18] (Spanish) |
| − | * | + | *Burning Bush of the Theotokos - [http://www.ortodox.as.ro/acatiste/ac15.html 1] (Romanian) |
| − | *[http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/resources/services/akathist_inexhaustible_cup.htm | + | *Most Holy Theotokos of the Portal of [[Iviron Monastery (Athos)|Iviron]] - [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/iviron.html 1] |
| − | + | *Theotokos of All Protection - [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/protection.html 1], [http://oholy.net/VeilAkathist.html 2] | |
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| − | + | '''Akathist to the Theotokos,''' | |
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| − | + | *All-Venerable Abbess to Monasteries of the Entire World | |
| − | + | *Daughter of Zion - [http://www.archdiocese.ca/moreAkathistzion.pdf 1] (PDF) | |
| − | * | + | *the Deliverer |
| − | * | + | *the Door-keeper |
| − | * | + | *the Enricher of the Harvest |
| − | + | *the Inexhaustible Cup - [http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/resources/services/akathist_inexhaustible_cup.htm 1], [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/inexhaustible.html 2] | |
| − | + | *[[Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow|Joy of All Who Sorrow]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=10 1] | |
| − | + | *Nurturer of Children - [http://www.serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm 1] | |
| − | * | + | *Queen of All (Pantanassa, or "Healer of Cancer") - [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/pantanassa.html 1], [http://saintjohnwonderworker.org/AKATHIST%20TO%20THE%20MOTHER%20OF%20GOD--Healer%20of%20Cancer02.htm 2] |
| − | * | + | *Spring of Healing |
| − | + | *Swift to Aid | |
| − | *[http://www. | + | *Unexpected Joy <!-- http://skete.com/moreinfo.cfm?Category=35&Product_ID=124 http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=100313 ---> |
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| − | *[http://www. | + | |
| − | *[http://www. | + | '''Akathist to the Theotokos for''' Reconciliation |
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| + | '''Akathist to the Theotokos at her''' | ||
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| + | *[[Kursk Root Icon|Wonder-working Kursk Root Icon of the Sign]] - [http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathistinnok-irkust_ru.htm 1] (Russian) | ||
| + | *Icon "Stay of Our Sorrows" (or "Assuage My Sorrow") | ||
| + | *Weeping Icon of Boian (Bojan) | ||
| + | *Icon of Felixstowe - [http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/akafmog.htm 1] | ||
| + | *[[Theotokos of Tikhvin|Wonder-working Icon of Tikhvin]] - [http://www.oca.org/PDF/Music/Akathists/tikhviniconakathist.pdf 1] (PDF) | ||
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| + | '''Akathist to the Theotokos at the''' | ||
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| + | *Wonder-working Icon of Crasna | ||
| + | *Icon of Seven Arrows (Icon of the Prophecy of Simeon) | ||
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| + | ===Relating to the [[Great Feasts]]=== | ||
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| + | '''Akathist of the''' | ||
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| + | *[[Nativity of the Theotokos|Birth of the Theotokos]] | ||
| + | *[[Elevation of the Holy Cross|Holy Cross]] - [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/marc89107/part_LL.html 1] | ||
| + | *[[Presentation of the Theotokos|Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple]] | ||
| + | *[[Nativity|Nativity of Christ]] - [http://www.sjkp.org/AkNativity.pdf 1] (PDF) | ||
| + | *[[Annunciation]] | ||
| + | *[[Dormition|Dormition of the Theotokos]] | ||
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| + | ===Relating to Saints=== | ||
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| + | Singular - '''Akathist to St.''' | ||
| − | + | *[[Alexander of Svir]] (Syväri) - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_Pyhittaja_Aleksanteri_Syvarilaiselle_2.htm 1] (Finnish) | |
| − | * | + | *Alexis, Man of God |
| − | + | *[[Anthony the Great]] | |
| − | * | + | *[[Arsenius of Konevits]] - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_Arseni_Konevitsalaiselle.htm 1] (Finnish) |
| − | * | + | *[[David|David the Prophet, King of Israel]] - [http://akafist.narod.ru/D/David.htm 1] |
| − | * | + | *Demetrios the Great Martyr |
| − | + | *Dimitri Basarabov | |
| − | *[ | + | *[[Elijah the Prophet]] |
| − | + | *Elizabeth the New Martyr (Grand Duchess) - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=19 1], [http://www.serfes.org/royal/akathisttoelizabeth.htm 2], [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/elizabeth.html 3] | |
| − | + | *[[George the Trophy-bearer|George the Trophy-bearer and Great Martyr]] | |
| − | * | + | *[[Gregory Palamas]] |
| − | * | + | *Guthlac of Crowland - [http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/akaguth.htm 1] |
| − | * | + | *[[Herman of Alaska]] - [http://dioceseofalaska.org/pdf/liturgical/StHermanAkathist-FullPage.pdf 1] (PDF) |
| − | *[http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=19 | + | *Ignaty Brianchovich - [http://www.podvorje.orthodoxy.ru/English/Service/StIgnAkf.htm 1] |
| − | + | *[[Innocent of Alaska]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=18 1], [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/innocent.html 2], [http://www.oca.org/PDF/Music/Akathists/stinnocentakathist.pdf 3] (PDF) | |
| − | * | + | *[[Jacob Netsvetov|Jacob of Alaska]] - [http://www.oca.org/PDF/Music/July/stjacobakathist.pdf 1] (PDF) |
| − | * | + | *[[John the Forerunner]] |
| − | *[http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/akaguth.htm | + | *[[John the Theologian]] |
| − | *[http://dioceseofalaska.org/pdf/liturgical/StHermanAkathist-FullPage.pdf | + | *[[John of Kronstadt]] - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_Johannes_Kronstadtilaiselle.htm 1] (Finnish) |
| − | *[http://www.podvorje.orthodoxy.ru/English/Service/StIgnAkf.htm | + | *[[John Maximovitch|John of Shanghai and San Francisco]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=11 1], [http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathiststjohn_en.htm 2], [http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/st_john_service.htm#akathist 3] |
| − | *[http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=18 | ||
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| − | *[http://www.oca.org/PDF/Music/July/stjacobakathist.pdf | ||
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| − | *[http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=11 | ||
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<!-- http://saintjohnwonderworker.org/Parish_Akathist.htm check this out later - m3u file ---> | <!-- http://saintjohnwonderworker.org/Parish_Akathist.htm check this out later - m3u file ---> | ||
| − | * | + | *[[John the New (of Suceava)]] |
| − | *[http://stjulianalazarevo.org/akathist_hymn.html | + | *St. Juliana of Lazarevo - [http://stjulianalazarevo.org/akathist_hymn.html 1] |
| − | * | + | *[[Mary Magdalene]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Maximus Sandovich]], Protomartyr of the Lemko people <!-- http://www.lemko.org/religion/maxim/ ---> |
| − | * | + | *[[Menas the Wonder-worker]] |
| − | *[http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=12 | + | *[[Nektarios of Pentapolis]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=12 1] |
| − | * | + | *[[Nicholas of Myra]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Nicholas II of Russia|Nicholas II, Tsar and Emperor of All Russia, the Passion-bearer]] - [http://www.serfes.org/royal/akathist.htm 1], [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/nicholas.html 2], [http://www.rocor.org.au/stjohntheforerunnerchurch/articles/akathist.html 3] |
| − | :[http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/nicholas.html], [http://www.rocor.org.au/stjohntheforerunnerchurch/articles/akathist.html] | + | *St. Nilus, Wonder-worker of Sora - [http://www.saintnilus.org/akathist.html 1] |
| − | *[http://www.saintnilus.org/akathist.html | + | *[[Panteleimon]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Paraskeve]] |
| − | * | + | *Philothea |
| − | * | + | *[[Raphael of Brooklyn]] - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=13 1], [http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/straphaelcanonized/hymns/BRAkathist.htm 2], [http://www.networks-now.net/litresswraoc/SVCRaphaelAkathist.htm 3] |
| − | + | *[[Seraphim of Sarov]] | |
| − | + | *[[Apostle Simon|Simon the Zealot, Apostle and Evangelist]] | |
| − | + | *[[Spyridon of Trymithous]] | |
| − | * | + | *[[Tikhon of Moscow]] - [http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/Akathist/tikhon.html 1] |
| − | * | + | *[[Tryphon of Pechenga|Trifon (Tryphon) of Pechenga]] (Petsamo) - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_Trifon_Petsamolaiselle.htm 1] (Finnish) |
| − | + | *[[Xenia of St. Petersburg]] | |
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| − | *[http://www. | + | Plural - '''Akathist to''' |
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| − | + | *All Saints [http://www.parohia-precupetii-vechi.ro/acatist.htm 1] (Romanian) | |
| − | *Akathist to | + | *the Chinese martyr saints who died in the Boxer Rebellion - [http://www.asna.ca/resources/akathist-chinese-martyrs-1900.pdf 1] (PDF), [http://www.orthodox.cn/liturgical/akathist/akathistmartyrs.html 2] |
| + | *SS. [[Apostle Peter|Peter]] and [[Apostle Paul|Paul]] | ||
| + | *SS. [[Sergei of Valaam|Sergei]] and [[Herman of Valaam|Herman]] of Valaam - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/tietopankki/rukoukset/akatistohymnit/akatistos_Pyhittajaisillemme_Sergeille_ja_Hermanille.htm 1] (Finnish) | ||
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| + | Local/Diocesan Saints | ||
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| + | *[http://users.sisqtel.net/williams/akathist-frseraphim.html Akathist] to [[Seraphim Rose]] | ||
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| + | ===Relating to Angels=== | ||
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| + | '''Akathist to the''' | ||
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| + | *Holy Archangel Michael - [http://cs-people.bu.edu/butta1/akathistarchangelmichael.htm 1] | ||
| + | *Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel | ||
| + | *Guardian Angel | ||
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===Other Akathists=== | ===Other Akathists=== | ||
| − | *[http://www.stvladimirs.ca/library/akathist-holy-communion.html | + | |
| − | * | + | *Akathist for [[Eucharist|Holy Communion]] - [http://www.stvladimirs.ca/library/akathist-holy-communion.html 1] |
| − | + | *Akathist to the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord - [http://gnisios.narod.ru/aktomb.html 1] | |
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*Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ | *Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ | ||
| − | * | + | *Akathist "Glory to God for All Things" - The Akathist is often attributed to [[Priest]] Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to [[Metropolitan]] Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. [[John Chrysostom]] as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings. - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=27 1], [http://www.stchcathedral.org.bh/snippets/akathist.htm 2] |
| − | + | *[http://www.orthodox.net/akathists/akathist-thanksgiving.html Akathist] of Thanksgiving (by Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov)) - [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akathist_of_thanksgiving.htm 1], [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_luomakunnalle_3.htm 2] (Finnish) | |
| − | *[http://www.orthodox.net/akathists/akathist-thanksgiving.html Akathist] of Thanksgiving (by Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov)) | + | *Akathist in Praise of God's Creation (by Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov)) - [http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8228.asp 1] |
| − | + | *Akathist for the Repose of the Departed - [http://users.sisqtel.net/williams/akathist-repose.html 1] | |
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| − | *Akathist | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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*[http://www.dormitionorthodoxchurch.org/heavenlyladder1_4.pdf The Akathist Hymn] by Fr. Luke Hartung | *[http://www.dormitionorthodoxchurch.org/heavenlyladder1_4.pdf The Akathist Hymn] by Fr. Luke Hartung | ||
<!-- http://akafist.narod.ru/ Russian site ? ---> | <!-- http://akafist.narod.ru/ Russian site ? ---> | ||
| + | *[http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Akathist.htm Akathist with a brief outline] | ||
| + | *[http://www.unmercenary.com/pdf/Akathist.PDF PDF, with western notation] | ||
[[Category:Hymnography]] | [[Category:Hymnography]] | ||
[[Category:Liturgics]] | [[Category:Liturgics]] | ||
Revision as of 08:37, January 8, 2006
An akathist (Greek, akathistos) is a hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The word akathist itself means "not sitting." The akathist par excellence is that written in the 6th century to the Theotokos. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during Great Lent), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, Chairetismoi and Madayeh, respectively.
The writing of akathists (occasionally spelled acathist) continues today as part of the general composition of an akolouthia, especially in the Slavic tradition, although not all are widely known nor translated beyond the original language. Isaac E. Lambertsen has done a large amount of translation work, including many different akathists. Most of the newer akathists are pastiche, that is, a generic form imitating the original 6th century akathist into which a particular saint's name is inserted.
Contents
Structure
The Trisagion Prayers are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a kontakion and an oikos. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a troparion and another kontakion. In some akathists, Psalms are also included.
Akathists
Relating to the Trinity
Akathist to
- the Holy Trinity
- Our Lord, the Most Sweet Jesus - 1, 2, 3, 4
- Jesus Christ for a Loved One who has Fallen Asleep
- the Divine Passion of Christ - 1, 2
- Jesus, Light to those in Darkness - 1 (PDF)
- the Holy Spirit
Relating to the Theotokos
Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos
When the word akathist is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the Theotokos, attributed to St. Romanos the Melodist (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in Great Lent; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the Orthros of the fifth Saturday of Great Lent. In monasteries of Athonite tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at Compline.
The four sections into which the Akathist is divided correspond to the themes of the Annuncation, Nativity, Christ, and the Theotokos herself.
The hymn itself forms an alphabetical acrostic—that is, each oikos ("house," possibly from the Syriac terminology) begins with a letter of the Greek alphabet, in order—and it consists of twelve long and twelve short oikoi. Each of the long oikoi include a seven-line stanza followed by six couplets, employing rhyme, assonance, and alliteration, beginning with the word Chaire (translated as either "Hail!" or "Rejoice!") and ending with the refrain, "Hail, Bride without bridegroom!" In the short oikoi, the seven-line stanza is followed by the refrain, "Alleluia!"
The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the Chairetismoi (from the Chaire! so often used in the hymn), consists of Compline with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the Madayeh.
Akathist of the
- Birth of the Theotokos
- Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple
- Annunciation
- Protection (or Covering) of the Theotokos
- Dormition of the Theotokos
Akathist to the
- Holy Virgin Theotokos (by St. Romanus the Melodist)
- English - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (PDF)
- Other - 14 (English/Arabic), 15 (French), 16 (German-PDF), 17 (Greek), 18 (Spanish)
- Burning Bush of the Theotokos - 1 (Romanian)
- Most Holy Theotokos of the Portal of Iviron - 1
- Theotokos of All Protection - 1, 2
Akathist to the Theotokos,
- All-Venerable Abbess to Monasteries of the Entire World
- Daughter of Zion - 1 (PDF)
- the Deliverer
- the Door-keeper
- the Enricher of the Harvest
- the Inexhaustible Cup - 1, 2
- Joy of All Who Sorrow - 1
- Nurturer of Children - 1
- Queen of All (Pantanassa, or "Healer of Cancer") - 1, 2
- Spring of Healing
- Swift to Aid
- Unexpected Joy
Akathist to the Theotokos for Reconciliation
Akathist to the Theotokos at her
- Wonder-working Kursk Root Icon of the Sign - 1 (Russian)
- Icon "Stay of Our Sorrows" (or "Assuage My Sorrow")
- Weeping Icon of Boian (Bojan)
- Icon of Felixstowe - 1
- Wonder-working Icon of Tikhvin - 1 (PDF)
Akathist to the Theotokos at the
- Wonder-working Icon of Crasna
- Icon of Seven Arrows (Icon of the Prophecy of Simeon)
Relating to the Great Feasts
Akathist of the
- Birth of the Theotokos
- Holy Cross - 1
- Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple
- Nativity of Christ - 1 (PDF)
- Annunciation
- Dormition of the Theotokos
Relating to Saints
Singular - Akathist to St.
- Alexander of Svir (Syväri) - 1 (Finnish)
- Alexis, Man of God
- Anthony the Great
- Arsenius of Konevits - 1 (Finnish)
- David the Prophet, King of Israel - 1
- Demetrios the Great Martyr
- Dimitri Basarabov
- Elijah the Prophet
- Elizabeth the New Martyr (Grand Duchess) - 1, 2, 3
- George the Trophy-bearer and Great Martyr
- Gregory Palamas
- Guthlac of Crowland - 1
- Herman of Alaska - 1 (PDF)
- Ignaty Brianchovich - 1
- Innocent of Alaska - 1, 2, 3 (PDF)
- Jacob of Alaska - 1 (PDF)
- John the Forerunner
- John the Theologian
- John of Kronstadt - 1 (Finnish)
- John of Shanghai and San Francisco - 1, 2, 3
- John the New (of Suceava)
- St. Juliana of Lazarevo - 1
- Mary Magdalene
- Maximus Sandovich, Protomartyr of the Lemko people
- Menas the Wonder-worker
- Nektarios of Pentapolis - 1
- Nicholas of Myra
- Nicholas II, Tsar and Emperor of All Russia, the Passion-bearer - 1, 2, 3
- St. Nilus, Wonder-worker of Sora - 1
- Panteleimon
- Paraskeve
- Philothea
- Raphael of Brooklyn - 1, 2, 3
- Seraphim of Sarov
- Simon the Zealot, Apostle and Evangelist
- Spyridon of Trymithous
- Tikhon of Moscow - 1
- Trifon (Tryphon) of Pechenga (Petsamo) - 1 (Finnish)
- Xenia of St. Petersburg
Plural - Akathist to
- All Saints 1 (Romanian)
- the Chinese martyr saints who died in the Boxer Rebellion - 1 (PDF), 2
- SS. Peter and Paul
- SS. Sergei and Herman of Valaam - 1 (Finnish)
Local/Diocesan Saints
Relating to Angels
Akathist to the
- Holy Archangel Michael - 1
- Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
- Guardian Angel
Other Akathists
- Akathist for Holy Communion - 1
- Akathist to the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord - 1
- Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ
- Akathist "Glory to God for All Things" - The Akathist is often attributed to Priest Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to Metropolitan Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings. - 1, 2
- Akathist of Thanksgiving (by Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov)) - 1, 2 (Finnish)
- Akathist in Praise of God's Creation (by Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov)) - 1
- Akathist for the Repose of the Departed - 1
External links
- Akathists in Finnish
- Akathists in Slavonic
- Akathist Hymn (MOV; sound file) chanted by Eikona
- How to Read Canons and Akathists when praying alone
- True Mother of God, Thee do we magnify: A commentary on the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God
- Akathists For All Occasions: Praying from East to West by Alexander Roman (Greek Catholic)
- Akathists written by Alexander Roman
- Akathist Rubrics
- The order for reading canons and akathists when alone
- Akathist to the Derzhavnaya Icon of the Mother of God CD for sale with sample mp3 tracks
- The Akathist Hymn, including a brief outline of the structure of the Akathist to the Theotokos
- The Akathist Hymn by Fr. Luke Hartung
- Akathist with a brief outline
- PDF, with western notation
