Nocturns

A Nokturn (Latin, from nocturnus = at night ) is a part of the night or early morning prayer Shore of the Church, the vigil or Matins. The Nocturnes form one of the oldest and most extensive part of the Christian monastic Divine Office. The exact sequence of songs was fixed mid-6th century written by Benedict of Nursia and has up today valid.

Before the first Nokturn with a brief introductory singing, invitatory connected to the Psalm 95 ( " Come, let us rejoice before the Lord and joyful noise to the rock of our salvation "). After a hymn appropriate to the Board following three psalms with antiphons and the associated longer readings from Sacred Scripture and the Church Fathers, with subsequent Responsorien. After the third Nokturn the Te Deum is sung on Sundays and public holidays.

History

As early as the 1st century Christians come together regularly to sing hymns and psalms for prayer in the tradition of the Old Testament. At the time of persecution of Christians in their meetings can only take place in the early hours of Sunday. After the official recognition of Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century, the vigils mentioned vigils were celebrated daily.

• Liturgy of the Hours