Outline of the Orthodox Service of Vespers

These outlines list in sequence the fixed portions of vespers.

See also the tables giving information about the variable portions of the service.

Definitions | General Note

Numbering of Psalms in this chart follows the Septuagint numbering
GREAT VESPERS AT A VIGILGREAT VESPERS NOT AT A VIGIL DAILY VESPERSRubrical and other comments
(Censing)significance of the censing
Blessing by priest Glory to the holy, consubstantial ...Blessed is our God ...Blessed is our God ...learn more
Opening prayers Glory to You ... O heavenly King… Holy God … (etc.) Our Father ...Glory to You ... O heavenly King.. Holy God … (etc.) Our Father ...
Omitted if service was immediately preceded by 9th hour or little vespers learn more
Call to worship (cf. Psa. 94)Come let us worship God our King ... Come let us worship God our King ... Come let us worship God our King ...
Introductory Psalm (Psa. 103)Bless the Lord, O my soul ... Bless the Lord, O my soul ... Bless the Lord, O my soul ... Theological theme: CREATION Celebrant reads prayers of light
Great Litany (Ectenia)In peace let us pray to the Lord ...In peace let us pray to the Lord ...In peace let us pray to the Lord ...Other names: Litany of Peace and “Prayer of the Church”
Psalter readingBlessed is the man ... (first kathisma)Blessed is the man ... (first kathisma)Appointed kathisma for the day, if anylearn more
Small Litany (Ectenia)Again and again in peace ...Again and again in peace ...Again and again in peace ...Omitted when there is no preceding Psalter reading
Pss 140,141,129,116 with hymns learn moreLord, I call ...Lord, I call ...Lord, I call ...Theological theme: FALL
(Entrance with censer)(Entrance with censer)learn more
Evening hymn learn more O Gladsome Light ...O Gladsome Light ...O Gladsome Light ...Theological theme: REDEMPTION
Prokeimenon of the day Prokeimenon of the dayProkeimenon of the daylearn more
Three Scripture lessons Three Scripture lessonsLessons are prescribed for some days, and not for others
Augmented LitanyLet us all say ...Let us all say ...learn more
Evening PrayerVouchsafe, O Lord…Vouchsafe, O Lord ...Vouchsafe, O Lord ...new liturgical day
Evening Litany Let us complete our evening prayer ... Let us complete our evening prayer ... Let us complete our evening prayer ...
learn moreLityaLityaServed at the narthex or before the church.
Aposticha ApostichaApostichaHymns of the Aposticha
Song of Symeon Luke 2:29-32Lord, now you let your servant ... Lord, now you let your servant ...Lord, now you let your servant ..Theological theme: ESCHATON
Trisagion prayersHoly God ... Our Father … Amen.Holy God ... Our Father … Amen.Holy God ... Our Father … Amen.
Dismissal TropariaDismissal Troparia Dismissal TropariaOrder of the Troparia
Blessing of bread, wheat, wine, oil Blessing of bread, wheat, wine, oil Learn more
Litany of Fervent SupplicationHave mercy on us, O God ...Learn more
Psalm 112:2Blessed be the name ... (thrice)Blessed be the name … (thrice)Wisdom! Father, bless!Wisdom! Father, bless!
Psalm 33:1-10I will bless the Lord at all times ...Learn more
Blessing by priestThe blessing of the Lord ...Christ our God, the existing ...Christ our God, the existing ...
[Reading of the six psalms of matins (orthros) ]Prayer for Orthodox ChristiansPrayer for Orthodox Christians
Concluding dialogueConcluding dialogue
Dismissal by priestDismissal by priest

   

Ranking of feasts and their liturgical observance, with special attention to vespers