How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

fixed response at its beginnings and its end so that the
congregation may respond easily. For the various church
seasons, such as the fasts, the Lordly Feasts, feasts of saints,
etc, there are specific Epsalias to serve the occasion.
8. THEOTOKIA : these are seven. There is a Theotokia for
every day of the week. It is a special glorification for St
Mary the mother of God, glorifying the mystery of the divine
incarnation and the miraculous virgin birth. It also includes
symbols and prophecies about St Mary, her pregnancy, and
her giving birth to the incarnated God for our salvation. The
word 'Theotokia' comes from the Greek word 'Theotokos',
meaning the Mother of God. Every Theotokia concludes
with its unique part, expressing the meaning of the words.
9. DEPHNAR : resembles the Sinaxarium in that it
commemorates feast days of saints with praises for them.
10. CONCLUSION : concludes the wonderful Midnight
Tasbeha. The ‘ADAM’ is the tune chanted on Sundays,
Mondays and Tuesdays. ‘WATOS’ is the tune chanted on
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 'Adam' is
the first word in the Monday praise. The ‘ADAM’ tunes are
reviving and uplifting, reflecting what Sunday expresses in
our church - the victory of resurrection, and Monday which
signifies renewal. The word ‘WATOS’ is the first word in
Thursday’s Tasbeha. The Watos tunes are more solemn than
the Adam tunes, and hence reflects the days its expresses :
Wednesday was the day in which Judas plotted against
Christ. Thursday was the day when the Lord was delivered
into their hands. Friday was the day of crucifixion, and
Saturday was the day Christ’s body lay in the tomb.
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