The canon is a series of nine hymns, ‘odes’ used at the Orthros (Matins). The nine odes vary so as to correspond with the theme of the particular feast. The introduction of canons is ascribed to St. Andrew of Crete. Other famous authors of Canons are Melodos, St. John Damascus, and St. Theodore the Studion.
By Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes.
Freely Ye Have Received Freely GiveThis is the Orthodox liturgical book that contains the variable portions of the Liturgy and other services for a particular period of the Orthodox ecclesiastical calendar. It begins on the fourth Sunday before the Great Lent, the Sunday of the Prodigal, and ends on Saturday of the Holy Week. Triodion is also called the period between the Sunday of the Prodigal and Holy Pascha. The name derives from the fact that during the season the Canons contain only three odes instead of the usual nine.
Note: Sunday of the Canaanite Woman; occurs only when Pascha is late enough so that there are four Sundays between the Sunday after Theophany and the First Sunday of the Triodion; 17th after Pentecost.
21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
More honorable than the cherubim and by far more glorious than the seraphim; Who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, O true Mother of God We magnify you.
Freely Ye Have Received Freely Give