The Akathistos

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the often-discussed topic of the significance of the most famous Byzantine Marian hymn, the Akathistos, in the context of the Avar siege. The first part discusses the arguments in favour of the creation of the second prologue of this hymn after the end of the siege along with the issue of the identity of its author, who some claim to be the patriarch Sergios. This chapter states that while we cannot completely dismiss the reflection of the Akathistos in the works of contemporary authors, this claim seems to be inconsistent with preserved accounts that tend to point towards the development of a tradition of liturgical commemoration of the Avar siege. In the conclusion, there is a discussion on the establishment of the Feast of the Akathistos and its significance in Byzantine liturgy.