Services
The services of the Church — Vespers, Matins, the Divine Liturgy, and the daily cycle.
Divine Liturgy The Eucharistic service of the Church — the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, celebrated on Sundays and feasts. Great Vespers The solemn evening service on the eve of Sundays and feasts, often joined to Matins as the All-Night Vigil. Daily Vespers The evening service that opens the liturgical day, offered as the lamps are lit. Matins The morning service of psalms, canons, and praises, culminating in the Great Doxology. The Hours The brief services of psalmody that sanctify the turning points of the day. The First Hour The office of the First Hour, read at daybreak. The Third Hour The office of the Third Hour, in memory of the descent of the Holy Spirit. The Sixth Hour The office of the Sixth Hour, in memory of the Crucifixion. The Ninth Hour The office of the Ninth Hour, in memory of the death of Christ. Presanctified Liturgy The Lenten evening service of Communion from the Presanctified Gifts, served on Wednesdays and Fridays of Great Lent. Compline The quiet service prayed after supper, before sleep. Grand Compline The Great Compline of the Fast, and of the eves of Christmas and Theophany. The Office of Holy Baptism The reception of catechumens and the order of Holy Baptism. The Rite of Confession The order of confession before a spiritual father. The Rite of Holy Matrimony The betrothal and the order of marriage, or of crowning. The Office of Holy Unction The mystery of the anointing of the sick with blessed oil. The Order for the Burial of the Dead The funeral service for laymen. The Great Blessing of Waters The office at the great blessing of waters at the Holy Epiphany.
