When the Hexapsalmos is being read…

We may make the sign of the Cross at the beginning and at the end of the Hexapsalmos. During its entire reading, however—even in the middle, when we say the “Glory… Both now… Alleluia…”—we do not make the sign of the Cross, but rather follow “in all silence and compunction” the Reader, who “with reverence and the fear of God” reads the Hexapsalmos.

For this time of reading prefigures the time of the Second Coming of the Lord, during which, with fear and trembling, we shall await His final judgment upon us.

And just as it will be then, so now we must, in silence, standing, motionless, without moving about or—most of all—without making the slightest noise, follow this reading attentively.

(Particular attention is needed during the evening services of Holy Week, which are in fact the Orthros of the following day. For at that time, distracted, we often enter the church without noticing that the Hexapsalmos is being read. In such cases we must remain still at the entrance of the main nave and, only after the reading has ended, move to take our place.)

The Hexapsalmos consists of the following psalms:

Psalm 3: Symbolizes the steadfast hope of the soul in God.

Psalm 37: A lament of the soul for the burden of sins.

Psalm 62: A gentle, comforting morning prayer.

Psalm 87: A supplication of a soul crushed by misfortunes.

Psalm 102: A prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

Psalm 142: A fervent plea for help.

The Hexapsalmos is the compunctious reading (with everyone standing) of the above six out of the 150 psalms written by David. It is at once hymn, supplication, and prophecy.

SOURCE: “Saint Minas” – Quarterly Publication of the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria