Horologion


The Horologion or Book of hours provides the fixed portions of the Divine Service or the daily cycle of services as used by the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. Into this fixed framework of the services, are inserted numerous parts changing daily.
In its original sense, a horologion or Latin horologium was any device or structure for keeping time, such as a sundial or the Tower of the Winds in Athens.

Description

The Horologion is primarily a book for the use of the Reader and Chanters. Several varieties of Horologia exist, the most complete of which is the Great Horologion. It contains the fixed portions of the Daily Office. The parts for the Reader and Chanters are given in full, the Priest's and Deacon's parts are abbreviated. The Great Horologion will also contain a list of Saints commemorated throughout the year, selected propers for Sundays, and moveable Feasts, and various Canons and other devotional services. The Great Horologion is most commonly used in Greek-speaking churches.
Various editions of the Horologion are usually shorter; still giving the fixed portions of the Daily Office in full, but with the other texts much more abbreviated. In addition, such texts often also contain Morning and Evening Prayers, the Order of Preparation for Holy Communion, and Prayers to be said after receiving Holy Communion.