Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Originally a verse sermon consisting of a proemium followed by a series of longer stanzas, or oikoi , all ending with the same phrase, like a refrain. The kontakion is related to the syriac mēmrā. The canon gradually displaced the kontakion; in modern Byzantine rite offices only the proemium, now called the kontakion, and the first oikos survive. In Greek use they are read at Matins, except on great feasts. In Russian use the kontakion is normally sung at Matins on Sundays. The kontakion is also read at the Hours and sung at the liturgy, though in Greek use those at the liturgy are ‘seasonal’, like the katavasias . ( 1995 ), On the Life of Christ, Kontakia by Romanos the Melodist . London and New York : HarperCollins . ... log in or subscribe to read full text