Eucharistic Fast before evening Divine Liturgy

[CDB1718]

I don’t think that “after dark” is a good term here, considering on Mt. Athos and most monasteries in the Orthodox Tradition, Divine Liturgy normally falls very early in the morning (before sunrise). I totally understand that the liturgical day goes from Vespers to Vespers, but being Orthodox in America, and Byzantine (meaning not of the Russian tradition) I’ve never been to an all-night vigil. What does a vigil consist of, and what part of the liturgical day would it be considered?

Good point.

The Hours refer to the sun’s movement. Vespers is associated with the setting of the sun and the day’s end. Compline refers to the day just past and is still backwards looking even though it comes after Vespers. The midnight service doesn’t look in either direction, but prays in the moment, having risen from sleep. The psalm for it refers to the night. Matins are associated with dawn and the prayers are for the coming day. First Hour is associated with the rising light of morning. No where in there is an implication that the Liturgy will be at a certain appointed time in relation to the Hours or the sun’s movement. It doesn’t seem hard and fast from the Hours that one day has strictly ended and another begun with Vespers, either, when Compline is backwards facing. I haven’t heard or read anything on the topic. The book by Schmemann linked above might have something, but I haven’t had time to read it. I’d like to know more if you know or learn it.

 

[OrthodoxJosh]

Good point.

The Hours refer to the sun’s movement. Vespers is associated with the setting of the sun and the day’s end. Compline refers to the day just past and is still backwards looking even though it comes after Vespers. The midnight service doesn’t look in either direction, but prays in the moment, having risen from sleep. The psalm for it refers to the night. Matins are associated with dawn and the prayers are for the coming day. First Hour is associated with the rising light of morning. No where in there is an implication that the Liturgy will be at a certain appointed time in relation to the Hours or the sun’s movement. It doesn’t seem hard and fast from the Hours that one day has strictly ended and another begun with Vespers, either, when Compline is backwards facing. I haven’t heard or read anything on the topic. The book by Schmemann linked above might have something, but I haven’t had time to read it. I’d like to know more if you know or learn it.

If I understand correctly, an all-night vigil consists of Vespers, Compline, midnight service, Matins and Royal Hours. So basically, I’ve seen them all, just not put together in one service. I know this doesn’t have very much to do with this thread, but thanks for the info.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

 

[CDB1718]

If I understand correctly, an all-night vigil consists of Vespers, Compline, midnight service, Matins and Royal Hours. So basically, I’ve seen them all, just not put together in one service. I know this doesn’t have very much to do with this thread, but thanks for the info.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

I misread or misunderstood your question. I haven’t been to an all-night vigil, either.

 

[Little_Boy_Lost]

Five Loaves, They do not.

They usually will pray small compline with either a deacon or priest who comes to the weekly meetings.