Kathisma - what is it? Reading kathisma

Today there is a great increase in interest in the Orthodox faith. And this is probably due to the fact that people began to search for God. Indeed, life with its sharp turns very often leads them into a real dead end. And then each begins his own path to God. At the same time, prayer becomes the main companion. She, like a lamp in the darkness, begins to sanctify the path. You just need to learn how to use and understand it correctly. The most powerful liturgical book — the Psalter and kathismas — will help every believer in this. And if everything is clear with the first concept, then the second causes genuine surprise for many. Accordingly, inexperienced believers are interested in the question: Kafism - what is it? Let's talk about everything in order.

Kathisma: what is it?

The liturgical section of the Psalms is called kathisma. This word from Greek translates as "sit." That is, during her reading in the service it is not necessary to stand on his feet. Allowed to sit down. Kathism in the holy book of the Orthodox is very much. It is very important to learn that the Psalter is divided into as many as 20 such sections. Kathisma 17 is the smallest. It consists of only one 118th psalm called the “Immaculate.” In turn, it is divided into three parts.

But the biggest kathisma is the eighteenth. It includes 15 psalms: from 119th to 133rd. They read the Psalter according to Kathism, where each part of it is called an article (from the Greek “head”, “subsection”) or glory. In turn, it can consist of one or more psalms.

Reading kathisma

In the service, the reader recites the first part of the hymnology: “Glory, and now. Amen". Singers - the second. And the third part ends again with the reader: “Glory, and now. Amen". This is to connect kathisma with the call of prayer. It turns out that the reader and the choir during the divine service at the same time glorify God. The table indicates kathisma (where K-kafisma, P-psalms).

It is also necessary to know that Kathisma 20 includes the adjacent psalm 151. It is contained in the Greek and Slavic Bible, but it is not used in church services. Therefore, it is not in the table. The author of this psalm is unknown. Most likely, some pious Leviticus wrote it. It was discovered only in the 20th century in ancient manuscripts found in Qumran caves in the Dead Sea scrolls.

Divine services and kathisma

In continuation of the topic entitled "Kathisma - what is it?" It should be noted that the order of the readings is determined by the Church Charter. During the week of worship, the Psalter is read in its entirety. And in Great Lent - twice a week. Private - Kafism laid on this day under the Charter. In the table you can see their distribution in normal periods.

In a week, kathismas are read in the following order: one in the evening service and two in the morning. However, it is important to know that the week begins with a resurrection. So, the first kathisma is read on Saturday evening. It is called Sunday night. If on this day a holiday fell and on the eve there was an All-Night Vigil (solemn public worship), then the reading is canceled. The charter permits vigils on the eve of every Sunday. Therefore, there is no kathisma on Sunday evening.

Single moments

As for the 17th kathisma, it is read along with the 16th on Saturday, and not on Friday. Since on weekdays she is recited at the midnight office (one of the services of the daily church service). If the holiday has polyelles (part of the morning, where Psalms 135-136 are read), then ordinary Kathisma cannot be read at Vespers. Instead, the glory of the first of them is recited. And she is pronounced on Sunday Vespers too.

When the Great Feasts of the Lord come, there is no kathisma at the Vespers. But this does not apply to Saturday evening. At this time, the 1st Kathisma is pronounced. Sunday evening is also an exception. Then read the first state of kathisma. In matins they are recited even on great holidays. However, this rule does not apply to the Easter week (the first seven days of Easter), which has a special liturgical charter.

timetable

In Lent, much time is devoted to reading Kathism. They are recited in such a way that the Psalter is read twice a week. At this time, there are kathismas at Vespers, as well as Matins and hours after individual psalms. In all the weeks of Lent (except the fifth) they are read according to the schedule.

But on Thursdays of Great Lent, the canon of Andrew of Crete is served on the fifth week . And on matins only one kathisma is read. Holy Week Psalter recites Monday through Wednesday. And just once. After that, kathisma is not. Only then, on Matins of Great Saturday, the psalm “Unstable” is pronounced with praise. There is no kathisma in the Bright Week either.

But a completely different type of psalm-singing is six-psalm, when six psalms are read: 3, 37, 62, 87, 102 and 142. Christians in this case pray, as if conversing with an invisible God. At this time, you can’t walk and sit. In conclusion of the topic “Kafism - what is it?” It is worth noting a few more important points.

Psalms Reading Rules

Kathisma is a special kind of hymns that are distinct from others, for example, the pre-initial psalms. The latter are read more calmly and less solemnly. Psalms at home recite with a burning lamp. They are pronounced, observing the correct stress, out loud or in an undertone so that not only the mind, but also the ear will hear the prayer words. This can be done while sitting, but with initial and final prayers and glories, you need to get up.

Psalms are read without expression, monotonously, a little chant, without theatrical expressiveness. If the words are not clear, do not be embarrassed. There is a statement regarding the Psalms: "You may not understand, but demons understand everything." With the spiritual development, the whole divine meaning of what is read will also be revealed.

Conclusion

And finally, I want to answer another question that excites many: when is Kathism 15 read? Some superstitious or magic-related people claim that it should be recited only when there is a dead person in the house. In other cases, it will bring many troubles and misfortunes. But Orthodox priests say that it is possible to read absolutely all kathismas without restrictions.