Am I supposed to read the absolution three times a day?

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

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the structure of the Agpeya is designed so that each "Hour" is a complete service, which concludes with a specific Absolution.

Strictly speaking, from a liturgical and theological standpoint, the answer depends on whether you are a member of the laity or the clergy.

1. The Role of the Laity

As a layperson, when you reach the end of an Hour in the Agpeya, you do indeed read the prayer titled "The Absolution." However, it is important to understand the nature of this prayer:

• For the laity, this is a petition (a request) for God’s forgiveness. You are asking God to absolve you of your sins.
• It is not a "sacramental" absolution like the one pronounced by a priest during the Sacrament of Penance and Confession. Only a Bishop or a Priest has the authority to grant the formal, sacramental absolution through the authority given by Jesus Christ to the Apostles.

2. Consistency with the Hours

If you are praying three distinct Hours of the Agpeya throughout the day (for example, Prime, Sext, and Compline), you should read the specific Absolution that belongs to each of those Hours.

• Each Absolution has a unique theme connected to the event of that Hour.
• For example, the Absolution of the 3rd Hour (Terce) asks for the renewal of the Holy Spirit, while the Absolution of the 9th Hour (None) references the thief on the right hand of the Cross.

3. Regarding "The Priest's Absolution"

In many Agpeya books, after the specific Absolution of the Hour, there is a general prayer titled "The Priest's Absolution."

• You should not read the "Priest's Absolution" if you are praying alone. That specific prayer is reserved for a priest to say over the congregation or the individual.
• If you are praying alone, you conclude after the specific Absolution of the Hour and the final "Have mercy on us, O God, and have mercy on us...".

4. Direct Guidance

Because the Agpeya is a spiritual discipline, you should confirm your practice with your Father of Confession.

• In some cases, if a person is combining several Hours together into one session (e.g., praying 3rd, 6th, and 9th together), the Father of Confession might instruct them to read only the Absolution of the final Hour prayed, or he may instruct them to read all of them.
• Following the instruction of your spiritual father is a vital part of Orthodox humility and obedience.

In summary: If you are praying three separate times a day, yes, you should read the specific Absolution tied to the Hour you are praying. This completes the spiritual structure of that Hour and prepares you to return to your daily tasks with the peace of the Lord.