Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos (Fridays)

(Note that we will be joining the community at St Elizabeth Mission for Friday Akathist services this Lent. Services will be at 7 pm on Friday's at St. Elizabeth Mission, Eagan; there will be no Friday evening Lenten services at Holy Trinity.)

This beautiful Byzantine hymn to the Virgin Mary is an important part of Lenten worship in the Greek tradition. Its twenty-four stanzas are divided into four parts, chanted on the first four Fridays in Lent, at 7:00 PM, beginning February 19. On the fifth Friday (March 19) the entire hymn is sung.

The word "akathistos" literally means "not sitting," and normally all participants stand while it is being prayed.

The majority of the hymn is made up of praises directed to the Mother of God, always beginning with the salutation of the Archangel Gabriel: "Rejoice." All the events related to our Lord's incarnation pass before us for our contemplation.

As the hymn progresses, various individuals and groups encounter Christ and His Mother. All have their own particular spiritual needs, which find their fulfillment in Our Lord and in the Mother of God. (Description adapted from Fr Michael Carney) (Approximate time, weeks 1-4: 1 hour)