'The Russian Kontakion of the Departed'

Commonly performed during funerals as a way to remember one’s own mortality, “The Russian Kontakion of the Departed” traces its origins back several centuries to the Orthodox Church.

The word “Kontakion” derives its origin from the Greek word for “pole,” as in the pole that was used to roll up a scroll, according to The Sun.

The somber choral piece was used at the funeral of Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.

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