Ton Despotin

In this article, we will explore in detail the topic of Ton Despotin, which has aroused great interest in today's society. We will learn about its origins, its evolution over time and how it has impacted various areas of daily life. In addition, we will delve into the different perspectives and opinions that exist around Ton Despotin, as well as its relevance today. Through this exhaustive analysis, we will seek to fully understand what Ton Despotin represents and how it has marked a before and after in history.

Ton Despotin is an acclamation chanted by the cantor or choir in honour of a bishop when he gives a blessing in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. While the Divine Liturgy may be chanted in any language, Ton Despotin is almost always chanted in the original Greek.

The words in Greek are:

  • "Τόν Δεσπότην καὶ Ἀρχιερέα ἡμῶν, Κύριε φύλαττε· εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα."
  • Ton Despotin ke Arkhierea imon, Kirie filate, is polla eti, Despota.

An English translation would read:

  • Protect, O Lord, our Master and High Priest. Many years to you, Master.

The final phrase Eis pollá étē, Déspota is chanted three times, each with progressively more elaborate embellishment.

There are many musical settings for the hymn, which can be roughly divided into simple and elaborate, each being used at different points during the services. Often, Ton Despótēn is chanted while the bishop, vested in full, stands on an eagle rug and blesses his flock with dikirion and trikirion.

An abbreviated form, consisting only of plain chanting Is pollá eti, Déspota three times, is used at less solemn blessings.

  • "Τον Δεσπότην και Αρχιερέα chanted when the Bishop venerates the icons". Analogion.
  • Ton Despotin musical setting (western notation)
  • Ton Despotin Greek and English text.