Hypakoe
JOHN A. MCGUCKIN
From the Greek term for “hearing” or “responding.” In Orthodox usage it denotes a short liturgical hymn formerly sung at Orthros, now generally recited, its content determined by which of the Tones of the Oktoechos apply for that day, as eight standard Hypakoe are in the service books.
A great feast may have its own proper Hypakoe. It was in origin perhaps a responsorial hymn. Tradition ascribes the composition of the first Hypakoe to Emperor Leo the Wise (d. 912). The hymn celebrates the wonderment of the myrrh- bearers, or otherwise refers to the resurrection event as cause of praise. Its location in the service varies according to the level of feast being celebrated. On Sundays it comes after the Resurrectional Evlogitaria. At Pascha it comes after Ode Three of the Canon, and again in the liturgy after the Little Entrance.
SEE ALSO: Liturgical Books; Orthros (Matins); Paraklitike