What is Vespers?

In the rich and sacred Orthodox tradition, the liturgical day begins in the evening, harmonizing with the Biblical account of creation: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Genesis 1.5). Vespers (εσπερινός) serves as the very first service of the Daily Cycle, held punctually after sunset and during the early evening hours. This profound service functions as a critical preparation for the Divine Liturgy that follows, paving the way for participants to enter into a deeper spiritual experience.

At Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana, we joyfully celebrate Vespers at 5 PM on Saturday evenings and also on the Eves of significant Feast Days. The service commences with the reading of the evening psalm: “. . . the sun knows its time for setting, You make darkness and it is night . . .” (Psalm 103 (104)). This beautiful psalm not only highlights God’s magnificent creation but also symbolizes humanity's first act of worship as we come together to meet God as our Creator.

Through the sacred experience of Vespers, we embark on a spiritual journey that traverses the themes of creation through sin, ultimately leading us to the transformative salvation found in Christ. The service invites us to deeply meditate on God’s word and actively glorify His boundless love for humanity. It also provides an opportunity for us to honor specific events or individuals celebrated within the Church community. Vespers prepares us not only for the peaceful night’s rest but also for the hopeful dawn of a new day filled with promise. Most importantly, this beautiful service begins our movement toward the profound communion with God that is found in the rich sacramental mystery of the Eucharist, Holy Communion.

All are welcome to the Vespers service at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana. We are the only Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana and serve under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver.