Apodosis

JOHN A. MCGUCKIN

Greek term meaning “giving away,” signifying the liturgical “leave-taking” of a great feast. The major festivals in Byzantine times lasted for many days with a variety of celebrations, both in the churches and in the streets. The first and last day of the festival were especially marked in church services by the main liturgical hymns and poetic compositions being performed that explained the theological significance of the events being celebrated. The Apodosis was almost like the last recapitulation of festivities before the festival was drawn to a close and “ordinary liturgical time” resumed.