Glossary

Music without instrumental accompaniment. Italian for "chapel style."

Gradually getting faster.

The period between a great feast and its APODOSIS.

A lengthy hymn consisting of 13 KONTAKIA (usually read), each followed by a sung IKOS. Most of the KONTAKIA conclude with a triple "Alleluia" sung by the choir. Each line of the IKOS typically begins with the word "rejoice." The original and most well-known Akathist is the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, which is sung (in the Slav practice) at Matins on the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent. 

A lectern-style piece of furniture with a slanted top; if used on the KLIROS, often has integrated bookshelves. Short analogia may also be used to display icons; analogia used for this purpose usually bear an ornate cloth covering.

A monastic hermit or recluse. A female anchorite may be called an anchoress. In Western Christianity, many anchorites underwent a consecration ceremony very similar to a funeral, after which they were considered dead to the world. Many of these anchorites lived the rest of their lives in small cells, often attached to a church. Eastern Orthodox anchorites include Saint Anthony the Great and St. Mary of Egypt. 

Walking speed.

The leavetaking of a feast. From the Greek for "return" or "giving back". 

Hymns followed by Psalm verses (hypophons), sung near the end of Vespers (always) and Matins (on ordinary days, when the DOXOLOGY is read rather than sung). 

The book containing all the New Testament readings, Prokeimena and Alleluias for the Divine Liturgy throughout the liturgical year. Usually also contains related material such as KATHISMA TABLES, a PASCHALION and a MENOLOGION. Click HERE for information on the RLE Apostol, an upcoming publication from Aorist Press. To reserve copies of the Apostol and all forthcoming Aorist Press publications, fill out this form.

A monk in a monastery on Mount Athos.

One of 9 Scripture passages upon which the IRMOI of CANONS are based:

1. The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-19)

2. The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 32:1-43)

3. The Song of Anna (1 Kings 2:1-10)

4. The Prayer of Habbakuk (Habbakuk 3:2-19)

5. The Prayer of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:9-20)

6. The Prayer of Jonah (Jonah 2:3-10)

7. The Song of the Three Holy Children (Daniel 3:26-56 [LXX])

8. The Song of the Three Holy Children (the "Benedicite" — Daniel 3:57-88 [LXX])

9. The Magnificat and the Prayer of Zacharias (Luke 1:68-79)

See TREBNIK.

See Octoëchos (2). 

See REVERENCE. 

The liturgical centerpiece of MATINS. A canon is an extended hymn with a varying number of sections called canticles or songs. Most Canons have 8 sections, but some have only two or three, while others have 9. Each canticle begins with a BIBLICAL ODE, followed by a sung IRMOS and a series of Troparia preceded by EPIPHONS. Canons are also appointed in other services, include Compline, the Sunday Midnight Office, funerals, panikhidas, various moliebens, as well as in private prayers such as the Three Canons of preparation for Holy Communion (provided in Orthodox Daily Prayers, Hours & Typica). 

A low platform, similar to a conductor's podium, upon which a celebrating hierarch stands at certain points in divine services. Typically placed in the center of the nave. 

See FORGIVENESS VESPERS.

A monk associated with the Monastery of St. George of Choziba (the Choziba/Chozeba Monastery) in the Wadi Desert, near Jericho in the West Bank, which was founded in the 5th Century. 

A symbol in Western/classical music notation at the beginning of each musical SYSTEM that indicates where individual pitches go on the staff. There are four clefs in common modern usage, but Orthodox liturgical music typically only employs the TREBLE CLEF and BASS CLEF. 

The final divine service of the calendar day. 

See COMPOSITE READING.

Also called a COMPOSITE. A Scripture reading, appointed to be read in a divine service, consisting of non-consecutive verses. An index of composites, and a PDF of the full text of all such readings, are available on the Rubrics page.  

Title given to a saint who has suffered greatly for teaching and defending the Orthodox Faith, but survived their torments. Notable Confessors include St. Alexis (Toth) of Wilkes-Barre and St. Maximus the Confessor.

Gradually getting louder.

An instruction found near the last measure of a composition, indicating that performers should go back to the beginning and repeat the music until the "Fine" marking. Italian for "Da capo al fine," which literally means "From the head to the end."

Gradually getting slower. Similar to RALLENTANDO and RITARDANDO.

Gradually getting softer.

Plural is "diataxeis". A document containing all rubrics and directions for a given service. From the Greek word for "order."

Also called a DOGMATIC. A THEOTOKION on the theme, or dogma, of the Incarnation. 

Also spelled doxastikon. A sticheron (hymn) sung after "Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit". Doxastica glorify God; if the theme is the Holy Trinity, this type of hymn may be called a TRIADICON. When no doxasticon is appointed, the reader chants "Glory...now and ever...", and the choir immediately sings the THEOTOKION. 

The Twelve Great Feasts: The Nativity of the Theotokos, the Exaltation of the Cross, the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, the Nativity of Christ, Holy Theophany, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Holy Annunciation, Holy Ascension, Holy Pentecost, Holy Transfiguration and the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.

An exclamation sung (always in Greek) in the presence of a hierarch. The translation is "Many years to thee, Master."

An elaborate chant style characterized by lengthy ornamentation at the end of a prayer or reading.

The beginning of the "public" portion of the Divine Liturgy, also called the Liturgy of the Catechumens. The term is Greek for "commencement."

The veil portion of a KLOBUK. 

A short, repeated refrain chanted before a hymn (e.g., the Psalm verses interpolated between stichera on "Lord, I call" at Vespers). See also HYPOPHON.

A title given to certain saints due to the scope, zeal, efficacy and influence of their efforts to spread the Orthodox Faith throughout the world. Saints honored with this title include Ss. Constantine and Helen, St. Mary Magdalene, and Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs. 

A symbol indicating that the applicable note should be held longer than its printed value, at the director's discretion. Commonly seen at the ends of compositions.

The book containing the hymns, unique prayers and Scripture readings for the fixed-date DUODENARY FEASTS.

Italian for "flexibly."

A saint who hides their sanctity and humility by deliberately affecting strange, insane, irrational mannerisms. Notable Eastern Orthodox fools-for-Christ include St. Basil the Blessèd and St. Xenia of St. Petersburg.

The first service of Great Lent, typically served immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Cheesefare Sunday, on which we commemorate the Casting Out of Adam from Paradise. During the prayer VOUCHSAFE, O LORD, the VESTMENTS and PARAMENTS are changed from light to dark, and the choir begins singing Lenten melodies. At the conclusion of the service, the clergy and faithful participate in the Ceremony of Mutual Forgiveness, so that each parish family may embark on the Lenten journey in a spirit of peace, repentance and mutual love. This service is published by Aorist Press in Volume 1 of the New Kliros Library for Reader & Choir, which also includes the Molieben to St. Theodore the Recruit (Tyro). 

A dynamic marking meaning "loudly."

See PROSTRATION. 

Also called the GREAT CANON OF REPENTANCE and the GREAT CANON OF ST. ANDREW OF CRETE. The central liturgical poem of Great Lent. One fourth of the Great Canon is read during Great Compline on the first four days of Great Lent; the entire Canon is read during Matins on the fifth Thursday. Published in two volumes as part of the New Kliros Library for Reader & Choir. Click HERE for the complete service volume and HERE for the companion volume, which includes all the Canon Troparia and the Life of St. Mary of Egypt. 

A martyr who endured particularly severe and extensive suffering, and/or one whose impact upon the Faith has been especially great. Noted Eastern Orthodox greatmartyrs include St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki.

A martyred bishop or priest.

See MOUNT ATHOS.

Also called by its incipit: "Only-begotten Son and Immortal Word of God...". A hymn expounding the Orthodox dogma of the Incarnation; always sung immediately after the Second Antiphon in the Divine Liturgy. 

Orthodox liturgical compositions using texts from the PSALMS OF ASCENTS. Also called HYMNS OF DEGREES, ANAVATHMOI or ANABATHMOI. The most famous of these is "From My Youth," the First Antiphon of the Psalms of Ascents in Tone 4, which is sung at every Festal Matins.

A short, repeated refrain chanted after a hymn (e.g., the Psalm verses in the Aposticha). See also EPIPHON.

Also called the iconostas. The screen/wall that separates the nave from the altar. 

(Pronounced "in-CHIH-pit") The first few words of a piece of liturgical music, used instead of the proper title. For example, at Saturday night Great Vespers we sing the First Antiphon of the First Kathisma, but usually refer to it as "Blessèd is the man." 

The hymn sung during the Little Entrance at the Divine Liturgy. Usually sung by the choir and begins with the words "O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ," followed by a concluding phrase depending on the day. On Sundays, that phrase is "O Son of God who rose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!" After this hymn, the choir sings the Troparia and Kontakia. At a weekday Liturgy, the concluding phrase commemorates either the Theotokos or other saints, depending on the primary commemoration on that day. On Great Feasts of the Lord, the deacon intones a special Introit, and the choir immediately sings the Festal Troparion. 

Plural IRMOI or IRMOSI. Refers to the first sung portion of a Canon, which links the associated biblical ode with the theme of the Canon itself.

The hat portion of the KLOBUK. 

Plural is katavasiae. An IRMOS of a CANON sung after the final TROPARION of a CANTICLE. May be a simple reprise of the IRMOS already sung for that CANTICLE, or be taken from another CANON altogether. On GREAT FEASTS, the Katavasiae are usually taken from the festal CANON(S) of the next upcoming major feast. 

One of 20 divisions of the Orthodox Psalter. Each Kathisma is further divided into three parts called ANTIPHONS.A PDF of the Kathisma tables (used for determining which Psalms are appointed for each service throughout the year) is available HERE. 

Charts for determining which KATHISMAS are read at various services. Click HERE for a free PDF version from RLE Liturgical Psalter.

See KIEVAN CAVES MONASTERY. 

An ancient Ukrainian monastery complex; one of the oldest in Slavic Orthodoxy.Also called the KIEV-PECHERSK LAVRA.

The area of an Orthodox temple where the choir(s) stand. Plural is "klirosi." Traditionally located in front of the iconostasis, on the right side. If there are two choirs, the second choir stands on the left.

A two-part piece of headgear consisting of a stiff, cylindrical hat, usually covered in black fabric and slightly wider at the top than on the lower band, and a long veil called an EPANOKAMILAVKION worn by Eastern Orthodox monastics who have taken STAVROPHORE vows. In certain traditions, METROPOLITANS wear a white Klobuk. 

Italian for "broadly."

The anatomical structure that houses the vocal folds. Located in the neck at the top of the trachea (the "windpipe").

A large, important and often wealthy monastery, often granted special privileges by the local government. Noted institutions include the KIEV-PECHERSK LAVRA and the Great Lavra on MOUNT ATHOS. 

Extra staff lines used in notation of pitches that are too high or low to fit on the five-line staff. Ledger lines are very short, horizontal lines that protrude slightly from either side of the note to which they apply. 

An expressive marking indicating very smooth, mellifluous singing.

The book containing the hymns, unique prayers and Scripture readings for the two preparatory weeks before Great Lent, Great Lent itself and Holy Week.

Italian for "slowly". A tempo marking often used interchangeably with LARGO, although technically it is slightly faster.

An Eastern Orthodox Psalter with Kathisma divisions; the primary book of monastic prayer and often the only book in the personal possession of an ascetic monastic. In the Slavic Orthodox tradition, the Liturgical Psalter also includes supplementary material such as the Troparia and prayers read at the end of each Kathisma, Kathisma tables, the Biblhttp://www.aoristpress.com/glossary#biblical-odeical Odes, Magnifications with their corresponding Psalm verses, and prayers read over a newly reposed person. Click HERE for information on the RLE Liturgical Psalter, an upcoming publication from Aorist Press. To reserve copies of the Psalter and all forthcoming Aorist Press publications, fill out this form.

The cycle of divine prayers and services assigned to a 24-hour period, beginning with VESPERS and ending with the Ninth Hour. 

A service that combines Lenten Daily Vespers with the Eucharist. Served exclusively during Great Lent and in the first half of Holy Week. One of the most complex services, rubrically speaking, as it combines material from Vespers, the Octoechos, the Menaion, the Lenten Triodion, the Psalter and the Old Testament, plus certain elements from the Divine Liturgy and several hymns unique to the Presanctified ordo. Available in a complete service volume as part of the New Kliros Library for Reader & Choir. 

A short service of supplication, often included as part of Great Vespers, that takes place in the NARTHEX or the west end of the NAVE. After the Litany of Fervent Intercession, the clergy process west while the choir sings the appointed STICHERA. After a long Litany, the clergy return to the nave. Before the Dismissal of Vespers, wheat loaves, wine and oil are blessed. See also LITYA FOR THE DEPARTED. 

A short memorial often inserted at the end of Vespers or the Divine Liturgy. Often requested by family and friends of the deceased on the anniversary of their repose. 

Also called the SONG OF THE THEOTOKOS. The text comes from Luke 1:46-55, and begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior." In the Orthodox Church, each verse of the Magnificat is separated by the refrain: "More hon'rable than the cherubīm and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphīm; without corruption thou gavest birth to God, the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify thee." The Magnificat is usually sung before the 9th Irmos of a Matins Canon, preceded by the exclamation: "The Theotokos and Mother of the Light let us magnify in song!", except on Great Feasts (although if a Great Feast of the Theotokos falls on a Sunday, the Magnificat is normally sung in its usual position). This hymn occurs even in certain unique services that deviate substantially from "regular" Matins, such as the Matins of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, sung on the fifth Saturday in Great Lent. It is also sung at Matins on the fifth Thursday of Great Lent, also known as the Matins of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. 

In the Slav tradition, a short hymn praising the Lord or a saint, sung at Great Festal Matins immediately after the POLYELEOS, and repeated several times with interspersed Psalm verses. Usually begins with the words "We magnify." In the Greek tradition, a Magnification is a hymn in honor of the Theotokos sung in place of the Magnificat, and followed immediately by the 9th Irmos of the Canon. For clarity's sake, Aorist Press refers to this second hymn type as a MEGALYNARION.

One who is killed for the Faith. Also see GREATMARTYR and HIEROMARTYR. 

The longest and most complex of the Orthodox divine services. Forms the second half of all Vigil services. In the Slav tradition, appointed to be served every Saturday night at Vigil (although many parishes serve only Great Vespers and entirely omit Matins unless there is a major feast). In the Antiochian tradition, served on Sunday morning, directly before the Divine Liturgy. Also called ORTHROS. 

The collection of service texts for every saint and other commemoration of the liturgical year, organized by calendar date. Click HERE to access the free RLE MENAION from Aorist Press.

A list of various saints commemorated throughout the year, usually with information about the rank of each commemoration. Commonly included in liturgical books such as the Apostol.

Liturgical headgear worn by a hierarch. Essentially an ornate KAMILAVKION with small icons above the lowerband and a rounded top decorated with a cross. May be decorated with precious stones.

A service of supplication, often combined with a Cross-procession. Moliebens may be served in churches or in private homes. Perhaps the most well-known Molieben served in church is the Molieben to St. Theodore the Recruit (Tyro), served on the first Friday evening of Great Lent. This service is published by Aorist Press in Volume 1 of the New Kliros Library for Reader & Choir, which also includes the Forgiveness Vespers service. 

A Greek island on the Athos Peninsula of northeastern Greece that is the seat of Eastern Orthodox male monasticism. The island is dominated by many monasteries.

Sometimes called the VESTIBULE. The western end of the temple, usually separated from the nave by doors. 

The part of the temple where the faithful stand. Spans the western temple doors to the ICONOSTASIS.

A publication series by Aorist Press that includes all reader and choir material for specific services, such as the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and the Akathist Matins to the Most Holy Theotokos.

1. The Eight-Tone system of Orthodox liturgical music. 

2. The BOOK OF THE EIGHT TONES. The book(s) containing hymnography organized by Tone (either for weekdays, Sundays, or both). In the Greek tradition, the term "Octoëchos", when it refers to a book, means the Sunday or Resurrectional material only. The term PARAKLITIKE refers to the book that also contains weekday (Monday-Saturday) hymnography organized by Tone. 

An ancient prayer rite of the desert fathers, brought to Rus' from the Holy Mountain by Archimandrite Dositheus of the Kievan Caves. Despite its name, this rate includes only 10 Psalms. However, in the Slavonic tradition the Prayer of Manasses and the Prayer of St. Eustratius are also considered Psalms/songs.

Basic outline: 

• Standard beginning

• Psalms 26, 31,56

• Trisagionhttp://www.aoristpress.com/glossary#trisagion-prayers Prayers & Troparia

• Psalms 33, 38,40

• Trisagion Prayers & Troparia

• Psalms 69, 70, 76

• Trisagion Prayers & Troparia

• Psalm 101

• The Prayer of Manasses

• The Small Doxology

• The Prayer of St. Eustratius

• Troparia

• Dismissal

See MATINS. 

See Octoëchos (2).

Liturgical textiles other than the vestments, such as the coverings of the Altar and Table of Oblation. 

A book containing all of the Old Testament readings used liturgically in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Old Testament readings. Usually appointed to be read at Vespers (and the Vespers portion of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts) in groups of three readings.

An expressive marking indicating that the music should reflect the natural rhythms and inflections of speech.

A table for finding the date of PASCHA in a given year. Most also include other relevant dates, such as the date when Great Lent begins, the date of Palm Sunday, the dates of Holy Ascension and Pentecost, and the date of the beginning of the Apostles' Fast.

A class of Eastern Orthodox saint whose suffering and death occured under circumstances not directly and exclusively related to their Orthodoxy. Two prominent passionbearers are Ss. Boris and Gleb, sons of Great Prince Vladimir of Kiev, who were murdered by their brother Sviatopolk and accepted their death with Christ-like love and patience, refusing to defend themselves with violence. 

The book containing the hymns, unique prayers and Scripture readings from Holy Pascha through the first Sunday after Pentecost. Also called the "Flowery Triodion."

(peh-RI-koh-pee) A defined unit of Scripture appointed to be read in the divine services. Usually refers to Epistle readings contained in the Apostol; Old Testament readings are referred to as PAREMIA. The term "pericope" comes from the Greek  perikopē, which means "a section" or "a cutting-out."

The branch of knowledge dealing with the structure, historical development and relationships of a language or languages. (Oxford Languages)

Softly.

The keyboard instrument commonly called a "piano." So named because this instrument was the first keyboard instrument to offer a huge range of dynamic sensitivity.

A short series of chanted petitions sung at the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, asking God to preserve and bless the primate, diocesan hierarch, civil authorities, armed forces, parishioners of the temple and all Orthodox Christians. 

The "first among equals" of an autocephalous Orthodox Church. The current primate of the Orthodox Church in America is Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard). 

A short series of Psalm verses chanted before a Scripture reading; prepares the faithful for the content of the reading. At Vespers a Prokeimenon always occurs after the hymn "O Gladsome Light," even if there are no appointed readings. On Saturday evenings, the Great Prokeimenon "The Lord is King" is chanted in Tone 6, regardless of the other Tones appointed for that service. Prokeimena also occur at the Divine Liturgy before the Epistle reading, and at Sunday/festal Matins before the Gospel. 

A liturgical gesture in which one makes the Sign of the Cross, drops to both knees, touches one's forehead to the floor, and returns to a standing position. Also called a GREAT BOW or GREAT BOW TO THE GROUND. Also see REVERENCE.

The first martyr of a specific group of people or location. Examples include St. Stephen the Protomartyr (of all Christians), St. Thekla, the Protomartyr Among Women; and St. Juvenaly, the Protomartyr of Alaska. 

Also called PSALMS OF DEGREES or GRADUAL PSALMS. See also HYMNS OF DEGREES. Refers to Psalms 119-133 (Septuagint numbering), which were traditionally sung by ancient Jewish pilgrims as they went up (ascended) to Jerusalem to worship; some were typically sung as the pilgrims went up the steps (degrees) of the temple. 

The Book of Psalms. See also LITURGICAL PSALTER.

Gradually getting slower. Usually found before, not at, the end of a composition. However, may be used interchangeably with RITARDANDO.

A divine service modified so that it may be served without a priest (and consequently without sacraments). 

The editing, polishing and refinement of an already-translated text. 

Physical remains of saints, (whole, or portions thereof) or pieces of their clothing. See also RELICS, TRANSLATION OF.

A type of commemoration that celebrates the formal relocation of a saint's relics from one location to another. Translations may occur for several reasons, including safety/preservation, the establishment of new temples, and the official glorification of the saint by an Autocephalous Orthodox Church. 

A liturgical gesture in which one makes the Sign of the Cross and bows forward from the waist, extending the right hand toward the floor. Also called a BOW FROM THE WAIST. Also see PROSTRATION.

Gradually getting slower. Often abbreviated "ritard." Similar to DECELLERANDO and RALLENTANDO.

Directions for how a service is performed and what liturgical material (hymnography, prayers, Scripture readings) it contains. May include information such as liturgical movements and the color of vestments/paraments.

The 70 missionaries appointed by Christ in Luke 10:1-17. The Church commemorates them all on January 4th, and certain members of this group are also commemorated at other times throughout the year. 

Psalms 3,  37(38), 62(63), 87(88),102(103) and 142(143), read at the beginning of Matins. Solemnly chanted, these Psalms alternate between expressing sorrow for sins and hope in divine mercy. Unlike Kathisma readings, during which the faithful may sit, all remain standing throughout the Six Psalms. 

Italian for "sustained." An expressive marking for smooth singing without abrupt breath breaks or sudden dynamic shifts. See also LEGATO.

Series of five horizontal lines (and four interior spaces) upon which music is written in standard Western/classical notation. Notes may also appear above and below the staff, with extra lines (called LEDGER LINES) added if necessary. Sometimes called a STAVE.

See STAFF.

A THEOTOKION on the topic of the Theotokos vis-a-vis the Crucifixion of Christ. Usually appointed on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Literally "verses." Single-stanza hymns. Troparia and modern Kontakia are technically Stichera, but rarely (if ever) referred to as such. Usually this term applies to the hymns sung after "Lord, I Call" at Vespers, the Vespers Aposticha, and the hymns sung at the Praises of Matins. The singular form is STICHERON.

A saint who lived on top of a pillar. Stylites practiced extreme asceticism, including severe fasting, lengthy vigil and constant exposure to the elements. Prominent Eastern Orthodox stylites include St. Simeon the Stylite, St. Alypius the Stylite and St. Daniel the Stylite. 

1. A worship assembly (usually for a liturgical service).

2. A feast, usually on the day after a major feast, honoring a person or persons closely connected with the major feast. (Example: on March 26th, the day after Holy Annunciation, we celebrate the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel.)

3. A monastic gathering for educational or administrative purposes. 

Musical speed.

A short four-footed stand for displaying icons, a Gospel book, and other similar liturgical items. Usually has a slanted display surface. Similar to an ANALOGION. 

A hymn in honor of the Theotokos. Also see DOGMATIC THEOTOKION and STAVROTHEOTOKION. 

The MOTHER OF GOD, the VIRGIN MARY. The term is Greek for BEARER OF GOD or BIRTHGIVER of GOD, an affirmation that JESUS CHRIST is fully God and fully human, and did not become divine at some point after His birth. 

See TRISAGION.

Rendering a text from one language to another. See also RECENSION. 

Also called the BOOK OF NEEDS. Contains occasional services such as funerals, marriage, baptisms. reception of converts, prayers for the departed, various blessings, and services of supplication for various needs. Click HERE for more information on the Parish Book of Needs, an upcoming publication from Aorist Press. To reserve your copy, please use this form. 

"Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us." This prayer occurs frequently in every Orthodox service (usually repeated three or more times) and is a mainstay of Orthodox prayer life. See also TRISAGION PRAYERS.

A short series of prayers that begins with the TRISAGION, followed by "Glory...now and ever...", "O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us...", "Lord, have mercy" (3x), "Glory...now and ever...," and the Lord's Prayer.

A single-stanza hymn about a saint or commemorated event, sung in one of the Eight Tones. First appears at the end of Vespers, which is why the Greek term for this type of hymn is APOLYTIKION, or "dismissal hymn." NOTE: The hymns read after each Irmos of a Canon are also called "Troparia," although in modern practice they are almost always read, not sung (the Paschal Canon is the most notable exception to this).

Saints who provided medical care without accepting payment. Notable unmercenary healers include Ss. Panteleimon, Cosmas and Damian. 

Music such as chant that has no regular, repeating meter.

See MAGNIFICATION.

The first service of the Orthodox LITURGICAL DAY. Typically celebrated around 6 PM; features hymns for the next calendar day. For example, at Great Vespers on Saturday evening, the Resurrection hymns are in the Tone of the coming Sunday (the next calendar day), and the commemorated saints are those appointed for Sunday. 

Liturgical clothing. 

Usually a combination of GREAT VESPERS (with LITYA) and MATINS. Occasionally, it consists of the first portion of GRAND COMPLINE, followed by a Litya and the rest of Great Vespers, followed by Matins. 

See LARYNX.

A prayer appointed at VESPERS that signals the official end of one LITURGICAL DAY and the beginning of the next: Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin. Blessèd art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Thy name forever; amen. Let Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on Thee. Blessèd art Thou, O Lord; teach me Thy statutes. Blessèd art Thou, O Master; make me to understand Thy commandments. Blessèd art Thou, O Holy One; enlighten me with Thy precepts. Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever; O, despise not the work of Thy hands! To Thee belongeth worship; to Thee belongeth praise; to Thee belongeth glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. 

A hymn sung instead of "It is truly meet." Usually the 9th Irmos of a festal Canon, preceded by its Magnification Verse.