The Agpeya
The Coptic Orthodox Book Of Hours
The Word "AGPEYA"
- The word AGPEYA takes origin from the Coptic word TI-AGP, which literally
means the hour.
The Book of "AGPEYA":
- The book of AGPEYA contains the seven canonical prayers which have been
cherished and practiced by the faithful Copts of the Orhtodox Church of
Alexandria, Egypt.
The Pslams as the core of the Seven Prayers:
- The seven canonical prayers have their root in the Psalms. David said;"Seven
times a day, do I praise you of your righteous Judgement" (Psalm 118:164). The
numerical order of Psalms in this book of prayer conforms to the Coptic Translation.
This hour is prayed early in the morning, and commemorates the Resurrection of
the Lord (Psalm 62:1).
In this hour of the day, the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles as tongues
of fire(Acts 2:15). At this hour also, Our Lord Jesus Christ was condemned.
In this hour, Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified (John 19:14)
This hour commemorates the death of our Lord in the flesh upon the tree and the
testimony of the thief at his right hand(Matthew 21:46)
Instituted to commemorate the removing of the body of the Lord Jesus Christ
from the Cross. The wrapping of it in linen, and the annointing of it with sweet spices.
This hour commemorates the laying down of the body of Christ in the grave. It
corresponds to the last hour of the day before retiring, since sleep is but a
temporary death (Psalm 62:6)
MIDNIGHT
This hour includes three services corresponding to the three times our Lord
prayed in Gethsemane (Psalm 118:62)
The prayer of Veil is said daily in the monasteries, after the
prayer of teh Twelfth Hour and before teh Prayer of Midnight. The present
position of this Prayer after the Prayer of Midnight aims to facilitate
the daily usage by laymen.
- Prayer Before Confession
- Prayer After Confession
- Prayer Before Commuion
- Prayer After Commuion
- Prayer Before Meals
- Prayer After Meals
Acknowledgment
The above document mirrors that produced by
Saint Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, Seattle, Washington, USA.
