DAILY CYCLE

DAILY CYCLE – The cycle of liturgical services of the Orthodox Church, comprised of Vespers, Compline, Nocturns, Matins, First Hour, Third Hour, Sixth Hour, and Ninth Hour; Divine Liturgy, though strictly speaking not part of the d. c., falls between Sixth and Ninth Hour. According to church tradition, the Daily Cycle begins with Vespers, at sunset. The full Daily Cycle is usually served in monasteries; in parish churches on Sundays and feast days the All-Night Vigil is served the previous evening, comprised of Vespers, Matins, and First Hour, and in the morning, the Divine Liturgy is served, preceded by Third and Sixth Hours.