Which prayers or psalms should a deacon recite before putting on the tonia or before the Divine Liturgy?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

Before vesting in the tonia (clerical vestment) and beginning the Divine Liturgy, specific psalms, prayers, and canonical preparations are observed according to the Coptic Orthodox rite.

1. The Psalms Recited While Vesting

When the priest blesses the liturgical vestments (making the sign of the Cross over his own garments and those of the deacons), two specific psalms are recited:

• Psalm 29 [30 in the Masoretic/standard numbering]:

"I will extol You, O Lord (ⲡϭⲟⲓⲥ), for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me..."

This psalm expresses deep gratitude and humility, acknowledging that standing before the Holy Altar to serve the King of Kings is an unmerited honor granted solely by God's mercy and salvation.

• Psalm 92 [93 in the Masoretic/standard numbering]:

"The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength..."

This psalm reflects the spiritual reality of putting on the liturgical garments: the servant puts on righteousness and reverence, mirroring the majesty and holiness of God Whom he is about to serve.

2. The Rite of Blessing the Vestment

Before the deacon puts on the tonia, the following steps are observed:

1. The deacon holds the folded vestment on his left arm.
2. He presents it to the officiating priest (or bishop, if present).
3. He bows reverently and asks for the blessing.
4. The priest signs the vestment with the Cross three times, saying:

• "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen."
• "Blessed is God the Father, the Pantocrator. Amen."
• "Blessed is His Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ Ⲡⲓⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ), our Lord. Amen."
• "Blessed is the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen."

1. The deacon kisses the Cross and the priest’s hand, takes the vestment, and puts it on while quietly meditating on or reciting the aforementioned psalms.

3. The Prayers of the Hours (Agpeya) Before the Liturgy

Prior to the Offertory of the Lamb, the clergy, deacons, and congregation pray the canonical hours of the Agpeya:

• On non-fasting days, Saturdays, Sundays, and major feast days: The Third Hour (commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit) and the Sixth Hour (commemorating the Crucifixion of Christ) are prayed.
• On fasting days: The Ninth Hour (commemorating the physical death of Christ on the Cross) is added.
• During Great Lent and the Fast of Nineveh: The Eleventh and Twelfth Hours are also added, as the Liturgy is concluded later in the day.

4. Spiritual and Physical Preparation

In addition to these prayers, every deacon preparing to serve at the altar must observe:

• Reconciliation: Being completely at peace with everyone, as Christ commanded: "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:24).
• Strict Eucharistic Fasting: Complete abstention from all food and drink (typically nine hours prior to receiving Holy Communion, or from midnight).
• Cleanliness: Ensuring both body and clothes are clean and dignified for serving in the Sanctuary.