The Adam parts are said on Sunday to Tuesday while the Watos parts are on Wednesday to Saturday. Is this correct?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

That is incorrect. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the division of the Adam (ⲁⲇⲁⲙ) and Watos (ⲃⲁⲧⲟⲥ) tunes is based on the days of the week, but the grouping you provided is inaccurate.

The correct distribution is as follows:

1. The Adam Days (ⲛⲓⲉϩⲟⲟⲩ ⲛⲁⲇⲁⲙ)

The Adam tune is used on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

• Origin: The name "Adam" comes from the first word of the Sunday Theotokia: "Adam ⲉⲧⲓ ⲉϥⲟⲓ ⲛⲣⲉϥϭⲟⲓⲗⲉ..." ("While Adam was yet an alien...").
• Characteristics: These tunes are generally shorter and faster in tempo compared to Watos.

2. The Watos Days (ⲛⲓⲉϩⲟⲟⲩ ⲛⲃⲁⲧⲟⲥ)

The Watos tune is used on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

• Origin: The name "Watos" is derived from the Coptic word for "Bush" (as in the Burning Bush), which is the first word of the Wednesday Theotokia: "ⲡⲓⲃⲁⲧⲟⲥ ⲉⲧⲁ ⲙⲱⲩⲥⲏⲥ..." ("The Bush which Moses...").
• Characteristics: These tunes are typically longer and more melodic.

Practical Application in the Rite:

• The Doxologies: On Adam days, the Adam Doxologies are chanted; on Watos days, the Watos Doxologies are chanted.
• The Theotokias: In the Midnight Praises (ⲧⲉⲛⲑⲏⲃⲏ - Ten-theve), the Theotokia corresponding to the specific day of the week is chanted according to its respective tune (Adam or Watos).
• The Psali: Each day of the week has its own Psali (hymn of praise) to our Lord ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ (Jesus Christ), which follows the tune of the day.

This division reflects the deep theological organization of the Coptic Church's prayer life, ensuring that the Mother of God (ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ) and the work of salvation are honored throughout the entire week in a structured and rhythmic manner.