Eastern Christianity
Among the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite, the Lauds (Greek: Ainoi; Slavonic: Chvalitnyi) or "Praises" does not form a separate service, but is an integral part of Matins, coming near the end of the service, after the Canon and Exapostilarion (Hymn of Light). The intent is that Lauds will be chanted as the sun begins to rise, culminating with either the Great Doxology or the Lesser Doxology, and the Apolytikion (Troparion of the Day).
On Sundays and Feast Days (as well as on some lower-ranking days) there are special stichera that are chanted between the psalm verses of the Lauds. In these cases the psalm verses and their stichera will be chanted (sung). On days when there are no troparia appointed, the psalms will be read simply by the Reader.
Read more about this topic: Lauds
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