Akathist

From Freepedia

The Akathist (Ακαθιστος Υμνος, unseated hymn) is an Eastern Orthodox hymn. It is an important part of matins on the fifth Saturday of Lent, and often is used in part on the preceding Saturdays of the fast. In the monasteries of Mount Athos and elsewhere, the Akathist is sung nightly at compline. The original Akathist is ascribed to Romanos the Melodist, and consists of four sections, each in turn praising the Annunciation, the nativity of Jesus, the person of Jesus and the Theotokos. Each section is subdivided into six oikoi (οικοι, houses). Each oikos is based around a seven-line verse. Every alternate oikos is completed with the refrain Alleluia. The other oikoi add a thirteen-line verse after the seven-line verse. This long verse is always a rhyming hymn of praise; it begins with Chaire (Χαιρε, Hail!), and ends Chaire, Nymphē chōris nymphiou (Χαιρε, Νυμφη χωρις νυμφιου, Hail, Bride without bridegroom!). This original Akathist forms the structural model and inspirational basis for many other akathists composed for special occassions and the commemoration of saints.