KONTAKION

KONTAKION – A hymn giving in an abbreviated form the substance of the day’s feast.  Originally, this was a hymn composed of many stanza (18-24) whose lengthy text required the use of a scroll. What remains today are short preliminary stanzas that give a concise meaning to the feast being celebrated. It is sung following the Sixth Ode in Matins, during the Hours and after the Troparia at the Liturgy.