ˌakəˈthistəs noun
or aca·thi·stos äˈkäthēˌstȯs ; also ak·a·thist ˈakəˌthist ; or aka·thi·stos äˈkäthēˌstȯs
( plural ac·a·this·ti ˌakəˈthiˌstī, -(ˌ)stē ; or aca·thi·stoi äˈkäthēˌstē ; also ak·a·thists ˈakəˌthis(t)s ; or aka·thi·stoi äˈkäthēˌstē)
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle Greek akathistos ( hymnos ), literally, standing hymn, from akathistos standing, from a- a- (II) + -kathistos (from Greek kathizein to seat, set, sit, from kata down + -izein -ize) — more at cata-
: any of several Lenten hymns of the Eastern Orthodox Church sung with the people standing in honor of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or one of the saints