Akathist
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Icon of the Theotokos Orans from Spasky Cathedral in Yaroslavl (13th-century).The Akathist Hymn (Ἀκάθιστος Ὕμνος, unseated hymn) is an Eastern Orthodox Christian hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The name derives from the fact that during the chanting of the hymn, or sometimes the whole service, the congregation is expected to remain standing in reverence, not being allowed to sit down (Ancient Greek ἀ- (a), [without, not] + κάθισις (káthisis), [sitting]). During Orthodox religious services in general, sitting or standing is set by a complicated set of rules, as well as individual discretion. Only during readings of the Gospel and the singing of Akathists is standing considered READ MORE
