Prime / Morning Prayer (1st Hour)
Prime is the First Hour of the Coptic Agpeya and is traditionally prayed upon waking in the morning. It gives thanks to God for the beginning of a new day and recalls Christ as the true Light, His Incarnation, and His Resurrection. This site uses sunrise as a practical reference. Actual prayer times may vary by individual, family, parish, or monastery.
Terce (3rd Hour)
Terce, the Third Hour of the Agpeya, recalls Christ's trial before Pilate, His Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost. Its prayers ask for the grace and renewal of the Holy Spirit. This site places Terce approximately three hours after sunrise, reflecting the traditional third hour of the day.
Sext (6th Hour)
Sext, the Sixth Hour of the Agpeya, commemorates the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. Its prayers reflect on Christ's sacrifice and ask for freedom from sinful desires and faithfulness to His commandments. This site places Sext at solar noon, corresponding approximately to the traditional sixth hour of the day.
None (9th Hour)
None, the Ninth Hour of the Agpeya, commemorates Christ's death on the Cross and His acceptance of the repentance of the thief crucified beside Him. Its prayers emphasize repentance, redemption, and God's grace. This site places None approximately three hours after solar noon, corresponding to the traditional ninth hour of the day.
Vespers (11th Hour)
Vespers, the Eleventh Hour of the Agpeya, recalls the taking down of Christ's body from the Cross. At the close of the day, its prayers give thanks for God's protection and call the faithful to repentance. This site uses the approach of sunset as a practical reference. The Agpeya hour is distinct from the Coptic church service of Raising of Evening Incense.
Compline (12th Hour)
Compline, the Twelfth Hour of the Agpeya, is traditionally prayed before sleep. It commemorates the burial of Christ and encourages reflection on mortality, judgment, repentance, and trust in God's protection through the night. The time shown here is a practical evening reference rather than a fixed requirement, and actual practice varies among individuals and communities.
Midnight Prayer
Midnight Prayer is one of the seven canonical hours of the Agpeya and is traditionally prayed during the night. It focuses on spiritual watchfulness and preparation for Christ's Second Coming. The office is divided into three watches, also recalling Christ's prayers in Gethsemane. The time shown here is an approximate reference, since the hour may be observed differently in personal and communal practice.