matins

Matins is a name used for a traditional Christian service that constitutes one of the hours of the liturgical day. The word derives from Latin matutinus, meaning “morning.” In early Christian worship, the term referred to a nocturnal vigil that preceded the day’s appointed prayers; over time it became the morning or pre-dawn devotion in many Western and Eastern traditions.

In Western Christianity, Matins has taken different forms. In medieval and Roman Rite practice, it was a lengthy service within the Divine Office that could precede or accompany other hours, typically featuring psalms, Scripture readings, hymns, and various prayers. After the reforms associated with the liturgical changes of the 20th century, the Catholic Church largely replaced Matins with the Office of Readings (often observed in the early morning), while some monastic communities retain a form still called Matins. In Anglican usage, Matins historically referred to the morning service of the Daily Office, commonly called Morning Prayer in contemporary practice; it retains a similar structure of Bible readings, psalms, the canticles, and intercessions.

In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, Matins (often called Orthros) is a distinct, lengthy morning service that may be celebrated before the Divine Liturgy or as a separate vigil. It includes multiple psalms, hymns (troparia and canons), readings from the Epistles and Gospels, and extensive prayers. Festal and special-occasion Matins vary in length and content.

Across these traditions, Matins serves to begin the day with worship, provide Scriptural reflection, and prepare the faithful for the following liturgical actions.