12/2025 - Kiahk Article

Kiahk Sunday Midnight Praises

Praise is the work of angels - they stand before the Throne of Grace praising God without tire or boredom; it is their utmost pleasure, fullness and joy to praise their Creator! Praise in the church is the HIGHEST level of prayers and talking to God. It is participation with those angels and heavenly hosts.

During the blessed Coptic month of Kiahk, the Church comes together in PRAISE to prepare for the Nativity Feast and for the Advent of Christ, the Logos and only-begotten Son of God.

7 Theotokia & 4 Canticles

Sometimes, you will hear of Kiahk Praises being called “7 & 4.” This is an old name that references the praises of the 7 Theotokia and the 4 Canticles (or Hos). Along with the 7 Theotokia and 4 Canticles, there are several Psalis, Lobsh, Melodies and Expositions.

Theotokia: Greek word that means glorification to the Theotokos (Mother of God).

Hos: Coptic word meaning “praise.”

Canticle: English word that means a hymn whose words are taken from the Bible.

Psali: Greek word that means “chant.” These hymns are typically acrostic or alphabetic poems composed in Greek or Coptic.

Lobsh: Greek word that means “explanation.”

Melodies: These hymns are typically poems composed in English or Arabic.

Exposition: These are explanations that are chanted and then read.

During Kiahk, vigil is kept for the whole night in prayer, chanting, reading Scripture, and praising! Our flesh is weak; alone, who of us can do this without boredom, tire or sleepiness? But when we come together as a Church, the Holy Spirit gives us strength and encouragement and energy!

The Order of Praises

Each of the Theotokia and Canticles has associated Psalis, Lobsh hymns, Melodies and Expositions. First the Psali, then the Canticle or Theotokia, then the Lobsh hymns, then the Melodies, and finally the Expositions.

1. Introduction to the Midnight Praise
   • Tentheeno (Arise O Children of the Light)
   • Great Kiahk Canticle (From the Psalms)
   • Midnight Alleluia
   • “Amen Alleluia” Melody
2. 1st Canticle (Exodus 15)
3. Monday & Tuesday Theotokia
4. 2nd Canticle (Psalm 135)
5. Wednesday & Thursday Theotokia
   
6. 3rd Canticle (Daniel 3)
7. Friday & Saturday Theotokia
8. 4th Canticle (Psalm 148, 149, 150)
9. Sunday Theotokia
10. Conclusion of the Midnight Praise

Major Themes of the Praises

• The Incarnation of the Son of God
• The fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies