What is the Apolytikion?
The principal troparion (hymn) of the day, chanted at the end of Vespers (hence its name, which means “dismissal hymn”), and celebrating the particular feast or saint being commemorated. It is also known as the “troparion of the feast” or the “troparion of the day”. On Great Feasts it is sung three times at the […]
Why are Vigil Lamps Lit before Icons?
First-because our faith is light. Christ said: I am the light of the world (John 8:12). The light of the vigil lamp reminds us of that light by which Christ illumines our souls. Second-in order to remind us of the radiant character of the saint before whose icon we light the vigil lamp, for saints […]