In Eastern Orthodox liturgy, a hymn or chant sung at the dismissal of worshippers at the end of a service.
From Greek apolytikion, from apolyein 'to release/dismiss,' from apo- 'away' + lyein 'to loosen.' The -ion ending is a Greek diminutive suffix, literally 'a little dismissal hymn.'
Every Sunday in Orthodox churches, the same apolytikion has been sung for centuries—these ancient hymns are so embedded in the tradition that many congregants know them by heart in a language they don't speak daily.
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