What is the Agpeya schedule for night prayers?

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

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Agpeya (ⲧⲓⲁⲅⲡⲓⲁ) provides a structured spiritual life that sanctifies every hour of the day and night. For the night period, there are three primary prayers: Vespers (The Eleventh Hour), Compline (The Twelfth Hour), and the Midnight Praise.

Below is the schedule and theological significance for the night prayers according to the Coptic Orthodox Church:

1. The Eleventh Hour (Vespers / ⲫⲛⲁⲩ ⲛⲓⲟⲩⲉⲓ)

Time: Prayed at sunset (approximately 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM).

• Commemoration: This hour commemorates the taking down of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Cross.
• Key Theme: It is a prayer of thanksgiving for the passing of the day and a plea for a safe evening.
• Gospel (Luke 4:38-41): Mentions the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and others at sunset, symbolizing Christ as the Healer of our souls at the end of our "day" of life.

2. The Twelfth Hour (Compline / ⲫⲛⲁⲩ ⲓⲃ)

Time: Prayed before retiring to sleep (approximately 9:00 PM or later).

• Commemoration: This hour commemorates the burial of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Key Theme: Sleep is seen as a "micro-death," and waking up as a "micro-resurrection." We pray to be ready for the final judgment.
• Gospel (Luke 2:29-32): The prayer of Simeon the Elder ("Lord, now letting Your servant depart in peace"), reflecting our readiness to meet God if our life ends during the night.
• Note: In monastic tradition and during the Great Fast, the Prayer of the Veil is also added after Compline, specifically for monks and those seeking deeper asceticism.

3. The Midnight Prayer (ⲡⲓⲉϫⲱⲣϩ)

Time: Traditionally prayed at midnight, though it can be prayed anytime before dawn. It is divided into three "Watches" (ⲧⲟⲩⲉⲣϣⲓ).

• Commemoration: The Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• The Three Watches:

1. First Watch: Focuses on the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). We pray to be like the wise virgins who kept their lamps lit with the oil of good deeds.
2. Second Watch: Focuses on the sinful woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50). It is a watch of deep repentance (ⲙⲉⲧⲁⲛⲟⲓⲁ).
3. Third Watch: Focuses on the "Little Flock" (Luke 12:32-46) and the command to stay awake and watch for the Master's return.

Nightly Practice Recommendation:

To follow the Agpeya properly during the night, a layperson typically follows this sequence:

1. Before Dinner/At Sunset: Pray the Eleventh Hour.
2. Immediately Before Sleep: Pray the Twelfth Hour.

• Note: Ensure you recite the "Litany of the Gospel" (ⲛⲁⲓ ⲛⲁⲛ ⲫⲛⲟⲩϯ - Have mercy on us, O God) followed by the "Absolution" (ⲉⲩⲭⲏ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲡⲓⲱⲡ - The prayer of the closing) to conclude your day in repentance.

1. Upon Waking in the Night: Pray the Midnight Prayer.

• If you are unable to pray all three watches, consult your Father of Confession on which watch to prioritize. Many pray the First Watch and the concluding ⲕⲩⲣⲓⲉ ⲉⲗⲉⲏⲥⲟⲛ (Lord have mercy) 41 times.

Instruction on Posture:

During these night prayers, the Church encourages Metanoias (prostrations) to humble the body and spirit, especially during the Midnight Prayer, as we await the Bridegroom who comes in the middle of the night.