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Services of the
Church, Liturgically

A Day in the Church

The Day of the Church begins in the Late Afternoon & Early Evening, following a sunset to sunset schedule.

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“Thus evening came, and morning followed - the first day.” (Genesis 1:5)​

Learn More About

What are Vespers?

Vespers (Greek: hésperinos; Slavonic: večérnya) are our evening prayers.

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They mark the beginning of a liturgical day.

This follows the tradition of a day beginning at sunset (seen in Scripture).

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Vespers serve as a time of thanksgiving for the day, preparation for the coming night.

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A Service of Vespers include:

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  • Psalm 103 (104) – A poetic reflection on creation and God’s providence.

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  • The Great Litany – Petitions for the needs of the Church and the world.

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  • Psalmody & Stichera Hymns – Sung in alternation, reflecting on the themes of the feast or liturgical season.

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  • The Hymn Phos Hilaron (“O Joyful Light”) – One of the most ancient Christian hymns, praising Christ as the Light of the world.

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  • The Prokeimenon & Old Testament Readings – Especially on feast days, connecting the Old and New Testaments.

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  • The Canticle of Simeon – “Now You dismiss Your servant, O Lord…”

(Luke 2:29-32), expressing trust in God as we enter the night.

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Vespers, through its symbolism of light and darkness, reminds us of the transition from the day’s work into the peace of evening, preparing us for deeper communion with God.

What are Matins?

Matins (Greek: órthros, Slavonic: útrenya) are our morning prayers traditionally prayed at dawn or before sunrise. The service focuses on praise, thanksgiving, and the proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection.

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A Service of Matins include:

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  • The Six Psalms (Hexapsalmos) – These Psalms open the service in a meditative and penitential tone.

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  • The Great Litany – Our Prayers for the Church and the created world.

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  • Psalms and Hymns of Praise – Including the Polyeleos (“Many Mercies”), emphasizing God’s great mercy.

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  • The Gospel Reading – Especially on Sundays and feast days, proclaiming Christ’s Resurrection.

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  • The Great Doxology – A hymn of glorification of the Holy Trinity, marks the dawn of a new day.

 

Matins help us enter into the mystery of Christ’s Victory over death.​​​

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Courtesy & Further Reading

The sections, on Matins, and Vespers are slightly edited.​ The original primer is from Taylor Black, of Saint John Chrysostom Church in Seattle, WA.

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The Community is part of the Eparchy of Phoenix.

 

For further reading, please check out the following

at the Metropolitan Cantor Institute (MCI):

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