#akathist

• Akathist — A hymnographic composition and liturgical service of praise in the Orthodox Church, dedicated to the Savior, the Mother of God, or the saints, strictly structured into 13 kontakia and 12 ikoi. Etymologically, the term indicates a solemn chant during which the faithful do not sit, but stand or kneel as a sign of profound veneration. In current, popular usage, the term also designates the list of names (prayer slip) accompanied by an offering, given to the priest to be commemorated during this service.
• Akathistier — A liturgical service book or devotional compendium compiling a systematic collection of akathists dedicated to various feasts of the Savior, the Mother of God, and saints throughout the liturgical year. The akathistier is utilized both by the clergy in public divine worship and by lay faithful for their daily private or family prayer rule.