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Orthodox chants are a distinctive and ancient form of liturgical music used in the Eastern Orthodox Church. These chants are primarily vocal, with no instrumental accompaniment, and they are used in various services such as the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Matins, and other rituals. They are often performed in a manner that emphasizes reverence, prayerfulness, and the transcendence of God.

The melodies in Orthodox chant are usually based on a system known as the eight modes or echoi, which guide the chant's pitch and tone. These modes are similar to scales, but they are more complex and rooted in the ancient Byzantine musical tradition.

Some of the most notable types of Orthodox chants include:

Byzantine Chant – The most recognized form, originating in the Byzantine Empire, it is still used in Greek Orthodox and some Eastern Orthodox services.

Znamenny Chant – This style is associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, with its own distinct melodic patterns and traditions.

Kievan Chant – A style that developed in the Kievan Rus, which was influenced by Byzantine chant but also incorporated Slavic traditions.

Bulgarian Chant – This style has a unique sound and structure compared to other Slavic Orthodox chants, influenced by regional folk traditions.

Orthodox chants often focus on sacred texts, especially those from the Bible, the hymns of the Church Fathers, and prayers such as the Trisagion ("Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us"). The lyrics are typically sung in the original languages of the Church (Greek, Church Slavonic, etc.), though translations are used as well.

The chant can vary in style and complexity, but it's always meant to uplift the soul, creating an atmosphere of reverence and connection to the divine. The voices are often arranged in a way that conveys harmony, and the sound can range from simple, meditative tones to more elaborate, polyphonic harmonies.