Orthodox Study 1 held Tuesday 14th July, Topic – Exapsalmos – Ἑξάψαλμος
The Exapsalmos (meaning “Six Psalms”) is one of the most solemn and spiritually profound parts of the Orthros (Matins) service, leading the faithful from repentance and spiritual darkness to trust, hope, and readiness to encounter Christ.
The Exapsalmos is read near the beginning of Orthros, immediately after the opening blessing and the “Royal Beginning” prayers and consists of six psalms read consecutively. It comes before the main hymns and readings of Orthros.
The Exapsalmos represents:
- Humanity waiting in darkness for the coming of Christ.
- The soul standing before God in repentance.
- The journey from suffering and sin toward hope and salvation.
- Preparation for Christ’s presence and, ultimately, His Second Coming and Final Judgment.
It serves as a spiritual transition from the darkness of night to the light of Christ, expressing the full range of the human soul’s relationship with God. The significance of the Exapsalmos has the angels hiding their faces during this profound time.
The Six Psalms and Their Themes
Psalm 3
Theme: Trust in God and hope in salvation amid danger and opposition.
- David cries out while surrounded by enemies.
- Symbolises the soul seeking God’s protection during life’s struggles.
Psalm 37 (38)
Theme: Repentance and awareness of sin.
- A deeply penitential psalm expressing sorrow over one’s sins.
- Symbolises sincere confession and the need for God’s mercy.
Psalm 62 (63)
Theme: Longing for God.
- “My soul thirsts for You.”
- Symbolises the believer’s deep desire for communion with God.
Psalm 87 (88)
Theme: Suffering and spiritual darkness, feeling far from God.
- One of the most sorrowful psalms in Scripture.
- Symbolises human weakness, loneliness, and the experience of spiritual trials.
Psalm 102 (103)
Theme: Praise and thanksgiving.
- Blesses and glorifies God for His mercy and compassion.
- Symbolises hope in God’s forgiveness and loving-kindness.
Psalm 142 (143)
Theme: Dependence on God and guidance.
- A prayer for help, direction, and deliverance.
- Symbolises surrendering one’s life to God’s will.
What happens during the Exapsalmos?
The Priest
While the psalms are being read, the priest stands before the Holy Doors (or in the altar) and silently recites the Twelve Morning Prayers. These are prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, and intercession for the faithful and the whole world. These prayers complement the themes of the six psalms.
These prayers are said quietly while the congregation listens to the psalms, creating a powerful atmosphere of collective prayer and reflection.
What should you do?
With reverence, complete attention should be given to the prayers – the faithful should stand silently and pray inwardly.
The faithful are discouraged from walking around, talking, venerating icons, crossing oneself excessively, or lighting candles during its reading.
A special effort should be made to arrive before it begins rather than entering the church during the reading.
What next?
The Exapsalmos is followed by the Litany of Peace. For full details of the Orthros see HERE.