the
original.

The following collection contains specimens of some of these. They are:--

_The Canon_ ({kanon}). This is the most elaborate form into which the
praise of the Greek Church is cast. A canon consists, nominally, of nine
odes or hymns, but the second ode is always omitted on account of the
denunciations of God against Israel which it contains. The canons of the
Great Fast are made up of those rejected odes.

_Hirmos_ ({heirmos}) is the first stanza of each ode. It may or may not
have a connection with the stanzas following, but its function is to give
them their rhythmical model.

_Troparion_ ({troparion}). The Troparia are the stanzas which follow the
Hirmos, and the term is doubtless derived from the verb {trepo}, to turn.
The Troparia _turn_ to the strophes of the Hirmos, as to a model.

_Contakion_ ({kontakion}) is a term of uncertain origin. Contakia occur
after the sixth ode of a canon. They are short hymns, and the term may be
derived from the Latin _Canticum_.

_Stichera_ ({stichera}) designates a series of verses which are often
taken from the Psalter.

_Idiomelon_ ({idiomelon}). Unlike Troparia, which follow the model set by
the Hirmos, Idiomela follow no model.

_Stichera Idiomela_ are a collection of irregular verses.

_Antiphon_ ({antiphonon}) is, as is well known, a hymn sung alternately
by the choir, which is divided for that purpose into two parts.

Other terms are found over hymns in the Greek service-books, but there is
no need to refer to them here, as no specimens of the particular hymns
find a place in this collection.

JOHN BROWNLIE.

Portpatrick, N.B.
_May_ 10_th_, 1900.

{tes patroas doxes sou}

({kontakion})

I

Far from Thy heavenly care,
Lord, I have gone astray;
And all the wealth Thou gav'st to me,
Have cast away.

II

Now from a broken heart,
In penitence sincere,
I lift my prayer to Thee, O Lord,
In mercy hear.

III

And in Thy blest abode
Give me a servant's place,
That I, a son, may learn to own
A Father's grace.

{basileu ouranie, paraklete}

I

O King enthroned on high,
Thou Comf