Compline

canonical hour

Also known as: Apodeipnon

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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Compline is the seventh and last of the canonical hours in the Roman Catholic Church's divine office. It is a prayer service traditionally observed in the evening. The term "Compline" originates from the Latin word completa, meaning "complete," signifying its role as the final prayer of the day. This practice has roots in early monastic communities and was established in churches by the 8th century.12

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divine office
Compline, a night prayer, is of monastic origin, as was prime, recited in the early morning before being suppressed in 1964. The office has for centuries been primarily the responsibility of monks, who sang it in choir, and priests, who often recited it privately. The…
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Compline, a night prayer, is of monastic origin, as was prime, recited in the early morning before being suppressed in 1964. The office has for centuries been primarily the responsibility of monks, who sang it in choir, and priests, who often recited it privately. The…
Read More