Matins

canonical hour

Also known as: Orthros

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June 30, 2026

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Matins is one of the canonical hours, which are public prayer services in various Christian churches. Originally a night office, Matins is now considered the first of these hours and is often associated with morning prayer. It is the lengthiest of the seven canonical hours in the Roman Catholic Church and is part of the divine office, a cycle of prayers intended to sanctify the community's life. The divine office includes psalms, hymns, and readings, with Matins historically being a significant part of monastic and cathedral traditions.123

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divine office
Matins, the lengthiest, originally said at a night hour, is now appropriately said at any hour of the day. Lauds and vespers are the solemn morning and evening prayers of the church. Terce, sext, and none correspond to the mid-morning, noon, and mid-afternoon hours.
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Matins, the lengthiest, originally said at a night hour, is now appropriately said at any hour of the day. Lauds and vespers are the solemn morning and evening prayers of the church. Terce, sext, and none correspond to the mid-morning, noon, and mid-afternoon hours.
Read More