APOLITIKION (ἀπολυτίκιον). – It is a troparion, that is, a brief hymnographic stanza, which in the Greek liturgy is generally sung at the end of an office. It usually summarizes in brief, rhythmic words the subject of the mystery or the outstanding virtues of a saint.
BIBL.: J. B. Pitra, Hymnographie de l'Eglise Grecque, Roma 1867; Sp. Lauriotes, Ἀπολυτίκια καὶ Κοττόκια τοῦ δίου ἐγιαντοῦ, Atene 1929; E. Pantelakes, Τὰ Ἀπολυτίκια τῶν Μηναίων, Atene 1933. Placido de Meester