Akathistos - opening lines

orchidee



Tune: Woodlands

('Tell out my soul')

Akathistos means 'not sitting'.

It is a type of Byzantine hymn,

so it is sung standing up.

************

Unto you, O Theotokos*, you be

Invincible champion to us, we

Of your city in thanksgiving ascribe

The victory to you, for we survive

 

Victory for the deliverance, sight

We, from sufferings, and having your might

Unassailable, free us here we pray

From all dangers, bring us salvation's days

 

So that we may cry unto you, Mary

Hail, O bride, ever-virgin you sure be**

Mother of Our Lord, bore Him us to save

Jesus, who rose from dead, His life He gave

-----

* Theotokos = A title of Mary, mother of Jesus.

** - The opening lines of the Akathistos end here.

 

  • Author: orchidee (Offline Offline)
  • Published: March 8th, 2022 03:09
  • Comment from author about the poem: A hymn-poem in 10.10.10.10. format. A bit of Greek for you. Part of a hymn from a history book. A departure for me, as this is more likely to be sung in Roman Catholic or Byzantine Orthodox Churches. Maybe a link with International Women's Day today (8 March) though I did not write it specially for the occasion. It is sung in Byzantine churches on the first Saturday in Lent. This year, that date has just passed (5 March).
  • Category: Spiritual
  • Views: 26
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Comments +

Comments2

  • Neville


    Its all Greek to me Mr. O but I do have a thing about Mary ......................... 🙂

    • orchidee

      Thanks N.

    • Goldfinch60

      Good one Orchi.

      • orchidee

        Thanks Gold.



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