(παρακλητική ) is a book of anthems or hymns used among the Greek Christians, and derives its name from its office, as it chiefly tends to comfort the sinner, or because the hymns are partly invocatory, consisting of pious addresses to God and the saints. The hymns of the Paracletice are not appropriated to particular days, but contain something proper to be recited every day, in the mass; vespers, matins, and other offices. Allatius finds great fault with this book, and says there are many things in it disrespectful to the Virgin Mary, and many things ascribed to her against all reason and equity; that it affirms that John the Baptist, after his death, preached Christ in hell.; and that Christ himself, when he descended into hell, freed all mankind from the punishments of that place, and the power of the devil.