Bible Encyclopedias
Idiomela

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(fully στιχηρὰ ἰδίομελα, i.e., peculiar strophes) are stichera that have no periods the rhythm of which they regularly follow. They are usually said at lauds and vespers on special occasions, sometimes at the burial of a priest. See Smith, Dict. of Christ. Antiq. s.v.