Kontakion

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A kontakion (Greek κοντάκιον, kondákion, plural κοντάκια, kondákia) is a form of hymn in the Byzantine liturgical tradition.

The kontakion form originated in the Byzantine Empire around the 6th century and is closely associated with Saint Romanos the Melodist (d. 556). Kontakions have a number of strophes (oikoi or ikoi, stanzas; singular oikos or ikos) and begin with a prologue (the prooimoion or koukoulion). A kontakion sometimes has a biblical theme and may feature a dialogue between biblical characters. The only kontakion that is used in full length today is the Akathist to the Theotokos.