Anthologion

liturgical book

Also known as: “Akolouthiai”

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Anthologion is an Orthodox book that is similar to the Roman Catholic missal. It contains prayers, chants, and instructions for religious services. While not as universally adopted as the Roman missal, some churches used the Anthologion starting in the 13th century, with an edition published as late as 1882. The term "anthology" itself refers to a collection of literary pieces or passages, with its roots in the Greek word for "gathering of flowers". The Greek Anthology is a famous example, a collection of ancient Greek epigrams and poems.123

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Byzantine chant
In the Akolouthiai, or Anthologion, were ordinary chants for Vespers, Matins, funerals, and the three liturgies (of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, and the Preconsecrated Offerings), as well as optional chants, some of which were usable as bridges at any point in the liturgy, usually sung to single syllables…
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In the Akolouthiai, or Anthologion, were ordinary chants for Vespers, Matins, funerals, and the three liturgies (of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, and the Preconsecrated Offerings), as well as optional chants, some of which were usable as bridges at any point in the liturgy, usually sung to single syllables…
Read More

missal
Eastern Orthodox service books
The Anthologion, an Orthodox book similar to the Roman Catholic missal, was used by some churches beginning in the 13th century, and an edition was published in Athens as late as 1882. Small service books containing the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom are commonly available…
Read More
The Anthologion, an Orthodox book similar to the Roman Catholic missal, was used by some churches beginning in the 13th century, and an edition was published in Athens as late as 1882. Small service books containing the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom are commonly available…
Read More