Aposticha

SOTIRIOS A. VLAVIANOS

The Aposticha (Άπόστιχα in Greek) are sets of hymns accompanied by verses from the Old Testament. They belong to the family of liturgical hymns called Stichera and are chanted towards the end of Vespers and weekday Orthros (Matins) in the Orthodox Church. Depending on the day of the week or the feast, their content may refer to themes concerning the resurrection, crucifixion, apostles, martyrs, compunction of soul, or those who have fallen asleep.

SEE ALSO: Hymnography; Idiomelon; Orthros (Matins); Sticheron; Vespers (Hesperinos)

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

Monks of New Skete (1987) “Introduction,” in Hymns of Entreaty. Cambridge, MA: New Skete. Taft, R. F. (1997) Beyond East and West: Problems in Liturgical Understanding, 2nd edn. Rome: Pontifical Oriental Institute.