Hexapsalmoi

JOHN A. MCGUCKIN

The Greek word for the “Six Psalms.” It denotes the preliminary prayers which the reader intones at the commencement of Matins (Orthros). The Six Psalms comprise Psalms 3, 37, 61, 87, 102, and 142 in the Septuagint numbering. They are penitential in tone and are regarded as a very important part of the Matins service, which in ancient times always began in darkness and moved through sunrise (when the gospel was sung). The Six Psalms begin the vigil aspect of Matins and in many places the church candles are extinguished and people stand very quietly for the penitential prayers. Halfway through the Six Psalms, the officiat­ing priest leaves the altar and comes before the Iconostasis silently to say the Morning Prayers of Matins, as intercessions for the people. It is a pious belief among some Orthodox that at the Last Judgment the guardian angel shall recite these psalms before the throne on behalf of the soul. This is why many stand with specially close atten­tion, thinking of the Judgment of God when they are read in church.