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Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel

Apolytikion

An Apolytikion is a short Orthodox Christian hymn that captures the central meaning of a feast day or the life of a saint. It is called the “dismissal hymn” because it is first sung near the end of Vespers (the evening service) and repeated during Matins and the Divine Liturgy. The text changes daily to reflect the particular feast or saint being commemorated. The term comes from the Greek word apolysis, meaning “dismissal.” As a type of troparion—a brief hymn—it expresses the essence, purpose, and spiritual message of the celebration.

Kontakion

A Kontakion is a type of hymn or “poetic sermon” in the Orthodox Christian tradition, originating in the Byzantine era. Originally a long poem with many stanzas (oikoi) built around a common refrain—often forming an acrostic with the poet’s name—it took its name from the kontax, or scroll rod, on which the text was rolled. The most renowned composer of kontakia was St. Romanos the Melodist. Today, only the opening prelude and first stanza are typically sung in services.

Service of Proskomide

Since the early Church, the Office of Oblation (Proskomide) has been a service of offering    gifts to God in preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion in the  Divine Liturgy. The congregation gives the names of the living and dead for whom they  want the priest to pray. Please present the name(s) to be commemorated to the sexton in the narthex at the beginning of the Orthros Service.

Artoklasia

Artoklasia, which means “breaking of bread” is a special thanksgiving prayer service offered by an individual or family typically on a Feast day or special family occasion. The service takes place at the end of the Divine Liturgy or at Great Vespers. The five loaves are reminiscent of the five loaves that Jesus Christ blessed in the desert and by which five thousand of His followers were fed. Please call the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.

Memorials

Kollyva is an offering of boiled wheat that is blessed liturgically in connection with the Memorial Services in Church for the benefit of one's departed, as (40-day Kollyva is traditionally most important) A TRISAGION is also a brief memorial service read in church or at a  gravesite (without Kollyva). Please call the church office at 978-531-0777 in advance to schedule a Memorial Service.

Kollyva Available for Mercy Meal

Parishioners who would like Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may order it from a parishioner who is willing to prepare it. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292 for more information or to place an order.