Royal Hours
Services of the Orthodox Church |
Eucharist: Divine Liturgy | When the Eucharist cannot be served: Typika |
Daily Cycle (Divine Office) |
Vespers | Compline | Midnight Office | Matins |
Little Hours (Prime,Terce,Sext,None) | Royal Hours | Mesorion |
Other Services |
Akathist Hymn | Paraklesis | Moleben |
Great Blessing of Water | Artoklasia |
Baptism-Chrismation Service | Holy Unction |
Ordination Service | Marriage Service |
Funeral Service | Memorial Service |
At Royal Hours all of the Hours: 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 9th, as well as the Typical Psalms, are sung as one service. The service is read on the eves of the Nativity of Christ and Theophany, as well as on Holy Friday. It is characterized by special Psalms and hymns, as well as special Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel Readings, relating to the particular Feast or events of the day.
Historically, it was customary for the Byzantine emperor to be in attendance for the entire Service, hence the title Royal Hours.