In Eastern Orthodox liturgy, a litany or supplication of prayers recited or sung by the deacon for the congregation.
From Greek ektenes 'earnest, fervent' from ek- 'out' + teinein 'to stretch.' The word carries the sense of stretching out one's prayers earnestly to heaven.
Ectenes are a gorgeous part of Orthodox Christian worship—the deacon leads the congregation in rhythmic, fervent prayers that literally stretch out to heaven, and the repetitive 'Lord have mercy' responses create a meditative spiritual experience.
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