![]() These developed in to the office of Compline at bedtime (with a special form, Great Compline, on the evenings of fasting days) and the nocturnal vigil of the Midnight Office. In early Christianity, prayer at night was also common, either at home or in church. The evening prayer of Vespers marks the moment of sunset, and the beginning of the church's day. Vespers on the evening before a feast is especially solemn, with additional hymns and readings from Scripture, and may be extended with a special service called Litija, consisting of a procession through the church, prayers for the world,Īnd the blessing of bread, wheat, wine and oil (representing all God's gifts As the candles and lamps of the church are lit, the faithful welcome Christ with the hymn, "O Joyful Light", which according to Saint Basil the Great (330-379) is so ancient "no one knows who wrote it." These are followed by litanies and additional hymns, and the singing of the troparion of the day. On Saturday night (in preparation for Sunday) and the eves of feasts, there is a procession with lights and incense into the sanctuary. Led by a priest, the faithful chant psalms praising God's creation and asking for his help, along with special hymns called stichera that vary from one day to the next. The service of Vespers is particularly memorable in the Byzantine Rite. The offices of Vespers (at sunset) and Matins (at sunrise) are extremely ancient, and make use of the natural symbols of light and darkness to evoke thanksgiving and praise. Since early times, it was customary for Christians to gather in church to prayer. Liturgy > Daily services The Daily Cycle of ServicesĬhurch's day begins at evening, and its services run from sunset toĮvening came, and morning followed - the first day."
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