VESPERS Meaning and
Definition
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Vespers is a noun that refers to a religious ceremony or evening prayer service in various Christian traditions, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church. It originated from the Latin word "vespera" which means "evening" or "evening star." Vespers typically take place in the late afternoon or early evening, just before sunset.
In the Catholic Church, Vespers form part of the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, which is a set of prayers and psalms recited at designated times throughout the day. Vespers is one of the major hours of this cycle, usually observed around 6 p.m. It includes hymns, antiphons, psalms, scripture readings, and intercessions. Vespers often include the Magnificat, a canticle of praise from the Gospel of Luke.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Vespers is known as "Evening Prayer" and is typically performed in the early evening as well. It consists of psalms, hymns, and prayers, with the inclusion of several important litanies. The service often concludes with the veneration of icons and the singing of the Nunc Dimittis, a canticle of praise from the Gospel of Luke.
Overall, Vespers is a solemn yet spiritually uplifting evening prayer service in Christian traditions, providing individuals with a moment of reflection, praise, and communion with God before the end of the day.
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• The evensong or evening service of the Ch. of Rome.
• Relating to the evening or service of Vespers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for VESPERS
Etymology of VESPERS
The word "vespers" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "vesper", which means "evening". In Roman Catholicism and some Protestant denominations, "vespers" refers to a religious service held in the evening, typically as a part of the Liturgy of the Hours. The term originated from the practice of monks and religious communities in the medieval period who would gather for evening prayers and psalms, typically around sunset. Over time, the term "vespers" expanded beyond its religious context and began to be used more generally to refer to evening prayers or services.
Similar spelling words for VESPERS
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