Paraklitike

JEFFREY B. PETTIS

The Paraklitike is the Byzantine liturgical book containing the variable hymns of divine service. The texts are arranged according to the eight tones of Byzantine church music, each having its own hymns and antiphons. Accordingly, the Paraklitike is also known as the Oktoechos (Greek, “book of eight tones”). The texts are inclusive for All Saints Day (Sunday after

Pentecost) to the 4th Sunday before the Great Lent. St. Joseph the Hymnographer (9th century), a prolific composer of liturgical canons, gave the final form to the Paraklitike. St. John of Damascus (ca. 665–749) is also traditionally thought to have contributed to its composition.

SEE ALSO: Anastasimatarion; Hymnography; Liturgical Books; Music (Sacred); Oktoechos; St. John of Damascus (ca. 675-ca. 750)