A short refrain, between the verses of a given psalm. Each psalm consists of two antiphons, performed by two alternating choirs singing the psalm verse and that short refrain. It also refers to a series of psalm verses with a refrain sung before the Little Entrance. Originally, antiphons were intended for singing during the procession to the church.

The first three hymns sung at the Divine Liturgy (Ps. 103; Ps. 146 and Only-begotten Son... the Beatitudes) are called Antiphons (steps) because they are sung in steps or stages by two Choirs singing opposite each other. Hence this type of singing in steps is called antiphonal.