The practice of reading a two sets of twelve psalms is an ancient monastic practice, evident in such monuments as St John Cassian's Institutes and the 5th century Codex Alexandrinus. during the Studite period of liturgical reform, the two sets were reduced to one; the twelve psalms read during nightly vigil. This was the order inherited by the Russian Orthodox Church and its practice has been maintained in some communities up to the modern era, including the Optina Skete. For reasons of its brevity and accessibility, the Service of Twelve Psalms is ideal for private, evening devotions when time is limited. The order follows the basic pattern below:
Trisagion Prayers
Three Psalms (taken from The Holy Psalter)
Trisagion Prayers
Three Troparia
Glory . . . Now . . . , More Honorable, Lord have Mercy (30x), Through the prayers . . .
(This is repeated four time, followed by a brief dismissal)
Contains all necessary troparia, psalms, etc.
A brief scholarly introduction is also included.
Pocket-sized. 52 pages.
