Kontakion

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Kontakion (Greek: κοντάκιον) is a form of hymn performed in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The word derives from the Greek word kontax (κόνταξ),^[1] meaning pole, describing the way in which the words were and are unfurled on a scroll that has been wound around a pole. The word was originally used to describe an early Byzantine poetic form, whose origins date back certainly as far as the 6th century AD, and possibly earlier.

Contents 1 Examples 1.1 Kontakion of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos 1.2 Kontakion of the Transfiguration of the Lord 1.3 Kontakion of the Sunday of the Prodigal Son 2 References

[edit] Examples

These are from the Jordanville Prayer Book:

[edit] Kontakion of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

To thee, the Champion Leader, we thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride Unwedded.

[edit] Kontakion of the Transfiguration of the Lord

On the mount Thou was transfigured, and Thy disciples, as much as they could bear, beheld Thy glory, O Christ God; so that when they should see Thee crucified, they would know Thy passion to be willing, and would preach to the world that Thou, in truth, art the Effulgence of the Father.

[edit] Kontakion of the Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Having foolishly abandoned Thy paternal glory, I squandered on vices the wealth which Thou gavest me. Wherefore, I cry unto Thee with the voice of the Prodigal: I have sinned before Thee, O compassionate Father. Receive me as one repentant, and make me as one of Thy hired servants.

[edit] References

1. ^ Mpampiniotis, Georgios (1998). Lexiko tis neas ellinikis glossas (Modern Greek Language Dictionary — in Greek). Athens: Kentro lexikologias.