Little Hours - Eastern Christian Practice

Eastern Christian Practice

Further information: Canonical Hours--Eastern Christian

The text of the fixed portions of the Little Hours as used by Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics is found in the Horologion. At the Little Hours, the majority of the Office is read (actually a simple recitative--never just said with the normal speaking voice) by the Reader alone, with very few variable parts. Those parts which are variable are the Troparion and Kontakion of the day. Structurally, the Little Hours are related to Compline and the Midnight Office. The structure and propers of the Little Hours are governed by the Typicon. The Little Hours are normally not read individually, but are usually aggregated with other services. The priest normally vests only in Epitrachelion (stole) and, in the Slavic practice, Epimanikia (cuffs). The Holy Doors and Curtain on the Iconostasis remain closed. The deacon does not normally serve the Little Hours.