The Akathist & Akathist Hymn

The Akathist Hymn is an Orthodox service dedicated to a saint, to one of the persons of the Holy Trinity, or to a holy event. “Akathist” means “not sitting” in Greek and refers to the tradition that the congregation remain standing in reverence during the service. At Holy Trinity we chant the beautiful text of the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos (Mother of God) during the first two weeks of August, before the Feast of the Dormition. We also mark the Feast Days of St Herman of Alaska and St Nicholas by chanting Akathists to those saints.