ANAVATHMI

ANAVATHMI – A series of short hymns, based on the Psalms of Ascents (Greek Anavathmi), nos. 119-133, which are sung at Matins on Sundays, and Feasts with a Gospel. On Sundays they are divided into three Antiphons, except for Tone Eight, which has four. They are sung immediately before the Prokeimenon. On Feasts the first Antiphon of Tone Four is always used, and hence the Prokeimenon on Feasts is always sung in that Tone. Some places use the final hymn from the Second Antiphon in Tone Four, rather than repeat the third one.