Encountering the Divine Liturgy Part 12: Alterations to the Antiphons for the 12 Great Feasts

 In the Divine Liturgy, the structure of the three Antiphons—normally composed of selected psalm verses and liturgical refrains—undergoes important alterations on Great Feasts of the Lord and the Theotokos. These changes reflect the heightened theological focus and festal character of the day.

First and Second Antiphons

On major feasts, the First and Second Antiphons are replaced with special hymns called "Festal Antiphons." These are often taken from the Canon of Matins or the Katavasiae, or are composed specifically for the feast. While still rooted in Scripture, these antiphons are more thematic and exclamatory, emphasizing the theological significance of the particular celebration.

For example:

• On Pascha, the antiphons are replaced with selections from Psalm 67 (LXX) and Paschal verses such as “Christ is risen from the dead…”

• On Theophany, Psalm 113 (LXX) and references to the Jordan are featured.

• On the Annunciation, the Antiphons include references to the Incarnation and the Virgin Mary.

These festal substitutions highlight the liturgical richness and theological focus of each major feast, calling the faithful to enter into the mystery being commemorated.

The Third Antiphon: The Apolytikion with Psalm Verses

The Third Antiphon on Great Feasts becomes the Apolytikion (Dismissal Hymn) of the feast, sung with interspersed psalm verses. This gives the faithful an opportunity to meditate on the central hymn of the feast, while connecting it to the scriptural foundation provided by the Psalms.

For example:

• On Christmas (Nativity), the Apolytikion “Thy Nativity, O Christ our God…” is sung with psalm verses like “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand…” (Psalm 109:1 LXX).

• On Theophany, the hymn “When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan…” is sung similarly with relevant psalm verses.

This structure reinforces the unity between Scripture and hymnography, and highlights the doctrinal and liturgical meaning of the feast in a more vivid and elevated way.

Liturgical and Catechetical Significance

These alterations remind us that the Church’s worship is not static, but is dynamically responsive to the mysteries she celebrates. While the ordinary structure of the Antiphons reflects the steady rhythm of our weekly worship, the feasts mark interruptions of glory, lifting the soul into deeper contemplation of Christ’s saving work and the Theotokos’s unique role in salvation history.