Akathist Hymns
The Akathist is a profound hymn of praise, traditionally sung standing ("a-kathistos" = not sitting). Each Akathist consists of 24 stanzas alternating between kontakia and ikoi.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos
The original Akathist, traditionally sung standing during Great Lent
Akathist to Our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ
A hymn of devotion to the Savior
Akathist to the Holy Cross
Veneration of the life-giving Cross
Akathist to St. Panteleimon
To the Great Martyr and unmercenary healer
Akathist to St. Nicholas
To the Wonderworker of Myra
Akathist to the Guardian Angel
To our heavenly protector
Opening of the Akathist to the Theotokos
Kontakion 1: To Thee, the Champion Leader, I, Thy city, as delivered from calamities, ascribe thank-offerings of victory, O Theotokos. And as Thou hast invincible might, free me from all danger, that I may cry unto Thee: Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos is one of the most beloved services of the Orthodox Church. It was traditionally attributed to the deliverance of Constantinople from the siege of 626 AD, when the people sang this hymn all night standing before the icon of the Mother of God.