The "Apodosis" of Saint John's Nativity
The Typikon is one of the most essential liturgical books in the Orthodox tradition, providing liturgical instructions for individual days throughout the year and giving guidance to chanters on what should be chanted during the services. Yet the Typikon is often misunderstood or, especially in the United States, not consulted at all. Encoded within the Typikon are generations of liturgical tradition that cannot be simply gleaned by looking at the Octoechos or Menaion. This wisdom makes sure that the services are done uniformly (at least in theory), that the saints are glorified appropriately and, on Sundays, without overshadowing the celebration of Christ's Resurrection. This coming Sunday on the Old Calendar, June 25th, presents an interesting scenario that absolutely requires the clarification of the Typikon: The Apodosis of St. John's Nativity. June 25th, coming a day after the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, actually serves as a rare example of a saint which has an Ap...