The Cheretismi-The Rejoicings/Salutations
to the Virgin Mary

These services are conducted in the Orthodox Church over a period of five weeks in Great Lent during the build up to Easter.They are chanted on a Friday night.The services require the following hymns or psalms to be chanted .These hymns are split into four parts or Cheretismi (Rejoicings).Each week one part is chanted. On the fifth Friday all four parts are chanted together to form what is known as the Akathistos Ymnos or Unseated Hymn.It is known by this name as during the chanting of the hymn, or sometimes the whole service, the congregation is expected to remain standing respectfully, not sitting down ,unless physical ailments prevent one from doing so.Each Cheretismo is composed of a Kontakion and an oikos. The Kontakion ends with the exclamation: 'Alleluia!', which is repeated by the psalters or choir.The oikos ends with the words 'Rejoice!'

 

 

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Last Published:24/02/10
Copyright © G.Georgiou. All Rights Reserved.