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 Sunday Kiahk Vigil: 7 Theotokia and the 4 Canticles (or Hos). Along with each of the 7 Theotokia and 4 Canticles, therethe areChurch arranges several associated Psalis, Lobsh, Melodies and Expositions.

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

Hos: Coptic word meaning “praise.” The English word “Ode” is sometimes used.

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, through the Holy SpiritSpirit, giveswe usreceive strength and encouragement and energy!

The Order of Praises

EachExamine the order of the TheotokiaSunday Kiahk Vigil below - for each of the 4 Canticles and Canticles7 hasTheotokia, it refers to all of the associated Psalis,praises Lobshin hymns,order: Melodies and Expositions. Firstfirst the Psali, then thethat 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)Ode
   • 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. Conclusion of the Watos Theotokia
9. 4th Canticle (Psalm 148, 149, 150)
10. Sunday Theotokia
11. Conclusion of the Kiahk Sunday Vigil
    1. Exposition of the Laborers
    2. Antiphonary
    3. Conclusion of the Adam Theotokia
    4. Concluding Litany
       
    5. Conclusion of the Midnight Praise

Major Themes of the Praises

• The Incarnation of the Son of God

•  

  The fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies

• ”Isaiah

prophesied • about the birth • of Immanuel•the Almighty King • Ezekiel saw a door • through which the Lord entered • He sealed the door and claimed it • highly exalted.
Highly exalted are you • and your Son Jesus • when He was born of you • the earth was adorned • and also Daniel • prophesied and said • I saw the high throne • highly exalted.”
O M A R Y - Melody on the 8th Part of the Sunday Theotokia

The fulfillment of Old Testament types and symbols

”The burning bush seen by Moses, • the prophet, in the wilderness; • the fire inside it was aflame • but never consumed or injured it. • The same with the Theotokos, Mary, • who carried the fire of divinity; • nine months in her holy body • without blemishing her virginity.”
Melody on the Thursday Theotokia

Glorification of the Virgin Mary

”Come all today • O orthodox people • that we may glorify • Mary the Virgin.
Everyone honors • the pure one • Who is full of glory • Mary the Virgin.”
Psali on the Monday Theotokia