Modern Performance
Over time, the performance of the kontakia came to be replaced by the canon. At the present time, the chanting of an entire kontakion is quite rare. Normally, only the first koukoulion (now referred to as “the kontakion”) and the first oikos are performed. The normal place for the kontakion and oikos is after the sixth ode of the canon; however, if the typicon for the day calls for more than one kontakion at matins, the kontakion and oikos of the more significant feast is sung after the sixth ode, while those of the less significant feast are transferred to the place following the third ode, before the kathismata.
For the most part, the only time an entire kontakion is performed is when an Akathist Hymn is chanted. The original akathist was composed in honor of the Theotokos and is called simply "the Akathist" and is sung at matins on the fifth Saturday of Great Lent, which the Triodion identifies as the "Saturday of the Akathist". Other akathists have been composed to Christ and to various saints as well; while not part of any prescribed service, these may be prayed as a devotional hymn at any time.
Read more about this topic: Kontakion
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