An akathist is a hymn/prayer of devotion, thanksgiving and petition, dedicated to a saint, holy event, or a person of the Trinity. It has thirteen parts, each with a kontakion (hymn in verse) and an ikos, an earnest request, ending, usually, with "rejoice." As the word Akathist means "standing," the hymn is prayed standing. Akathists are chanted in Orthodox and other Eastern churches, though chanting is not necessary if prayed individually or in a small group.