LITURGY OF THE MATINS

The Vespers and the Matins are called the “Offering of Incense” in the Coptic Church. They are very similar. They appeared under one section in the edited Euchologion. They begin with the Prayer of Thanksgiving, followed by a hymn called “The Verses of the Cymbals” (Arba‘ al-Naqus). The priest then prays the Vesper prayers (Prayer for Intercessions).

The congregation chants the doxologies, followed by the recital of the Nicene Creed. The priest prays “O God have mercy upon us,” followed by the Litany for the Gospel, and then the gospel reading. The Vesper prayers conclude with the Litanies for the Church, for the patriarch, and for the congregation, and finally the Lord’s Prayer and the absolutions.

GAWDAT GABRA