Akathist to the Passion of Christ at 7:00 p.m.

Akathist to the Passion of Christ at 7:00 p.m.

The Akathist Prayer is a type of devotional hymn in the Eastern Catholic Church (and also in the Eastern Orthodox Church), which is typically chanted or sung in honor of a specific saint, a feast, or a significant event in the Church’s life. The term “Akathist” itself comes from the Greek word akathistos, meaning “not sitting” — it reflects the tradition of standing during the prayer, out of reverence and devotion.

Key Aspects of the Akathist Prayer:

1. Structure: The Akathist hymn consists of kontakia and ikoses (a type of verse). It’s arranged in 24 stanzas, with the first one being a call to “rejoice” (often addressing a specific saint or Theotokos), followed by a series of prayers, hymns, and praises in the following stanzas. The hymn is often quite poetic and includes reflections on the person or event being honored.

2. Purpose: The Akathist is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. The most commonly known Akathist in the Eastern Catholic tradition is the Akathist to the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary), which is often sung during Lent and other feast days dedicated to her, such as the Annunciation. There are also Akathists to other saints, angels, and specific events like the Akathist to Christ the King or the Akathist to the Holy Spirit.

3. Liturgical Use:

   • The Akathist Prayer is often used during Great Lent, especially on Fridays, as part of the devotion to the Theotokos. It may also be prayed during other periods of fasting, feasts, or even at the conclusion of a service.
   • It can be recited privately, or it can be prayed in a communal setting, such as during a special service in the church. The faithful stand while it is sung or recited, in keeping with the tradition of honoring the subject of the hymn with respect and reverence.

4. Devotional Significance: The Akathist is an expression of the Eastern Christian tradition’s deep devotion and reverence toward the figure being honored. Whether the hymn is dedicated to Mary, a saint, or a specific event, it is a way of spiritually connecting with the sacred mystery or person being praised. It invites the faithful into deeper contemplation of the lives of saints or the divine.

5. Famous Akathists:

   • Akathist to the Theotokos: One of the most popular, especially in Marian devotion. The prayer focuses on the life and virtues of the Virgin Mary.
   • Akathist to Christ: Celebrating Christ’s life and work.
   • Akathist to St. Nicholas: A prayer honoring the great saint and miracle-worker.
   • Akathist to the Holy Spirit: Devotion to the third person of the Holy Trinity.

In Practice:

In the Eastern Catholic Church, the Akathist is especially important during Lent, but it may be used in various devotional contexts throughout the liturgical year. It is a beautiful prayer that brings the community together in an act of praise and worship.

So, the Akathist Prayer is a rich, melodic, and deeply spiritual practice within the Eastern Catholic tradition, allowing the faithful to honor and reflect on the holy figures or events central to their faith.

The Akathist to the Passion of Christ is a special devotional hymn within the Eastern Christian tradition, specifically celebrated in some Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. It is dedicated to reflecting on the Passion of Christ — His suffering, crucifixion, death, and burial — and is a beautiful expression of the Church’s meditation on the central mystery of salvation.

Key Aspects of the Akathist to the Passion of Christ:

1. Purpose: The Akathist to the Passion of Christ is a prayer that invites the faithful to reflect on the great sacrifice of Christ’s suffering for the salvation of humanity. It helps deepen the understanding of Christ’s love, humility, and obedience to the will of God, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross.

2. Structure: Similar to other Akathists, this prayer is structured in 24 stanzas, which are divided into kontakia and ikoses. The hymn follows the pattern of glorifying and praising Christ, but with a focus on His Passion. These stanzas include expressions of sorrow, reverence, and awe as the faithful contemplate the suffering Christ endured on behalf of the world.

3. Liturgical Use:

   • This Akathist is especially used during Great Lent, particularly leading up to Holy Week. It serves as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and is often prayed during the week of the Passion, which is the last week of Lent leading into Good Friday.
   • The Akathist is often sung or recited on Fridays or on any day of the Passion Week, in preparation for the solemnity of Holy Week services.

4. Devotional Significance: The Akathist to the Passion of Christ serves as a way for the faithful to engage in deep meditation on the sufferings of Christ. It emphasizes the humility and love that Christ showed by willingly undergoing suffering for the salvation of humanity. The Akathist calls upon the faithful to share in the sorrow of the Passion but also to rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection.

5. Themes and Reflection: The prayer focuses on key moments in the Passion narrative, including:

   • Christ’s arrest and the betrayal by Judas.
   • His trial before Pilate and the mocking He endured.
   • The scourging, the crown of thorns, and His journey to Golgotha.
   • Christ’s crucifixion and the agony on the cross.
   • His death, burial, and the reflection on the mystery of His redemptive suffering.

6. Tone: The Akathist to the Passion of Christ often combines lamentation and praise. While the faithful sorrowfully reflect on the cruelty and pain that Christ experienced, they also honor the profound love and victory of Christ, who conquered sin and death through His suffering.

In Practice:

• Standing Tradition: As with all Akathists, the faithful are encouraged to stand while the hymn is sung or recited as a sign of reverence.
• Private and Public Devotion: The Akathist to the Passion of Christ may be prayed both privately and during liturgical services, with some communities including it in their prayer lives during Lent or Holy Week.

This Akathist, like other Akathists, is part of the rich tradition of Eastern Christian hymns and prayers that help the faithful immerse themselves in the life and mysteries of Christ. The Akathist to the Passion of Christ in particular emphasizes the self-sacrificial love of Christ and calls the faithful to deeper repentance and gratitude as they journey through the penitential period of Lent toward the joy of Christ’s Resurrection at Pascha (Easter).