Hymns of the Month of Kiahk

The Coptic Church has a special system in its prayers, readings, and worship. In the month of Kiahk, the ecclesiastical life is distinguished by matters that give it a unique character.

Seven and Four:
Perhaps the first thing that distinguishes this month is what is known as (Seven and Four), which is an abbreviation for the seven Theotokias and the four Hooses, which the Church arranged for praising and blessing the Virgin Lady, the Mother of God.

Theotokias:
The word (Theotokia) means glorification of the Virgin. It is taken from the Greek word Theotokos, meaning (Mother of God). The Theotokia contains many church doctrines and the mysteries of the Virgin. They are poetic, metered pieces in the Coptic language, containing glorification of God and honoring of the Virgin.

Hooses:
As for Hoos, it is a Coptic word meaning praise.
The four Hooses are taken from the books of the Old Testament and the Psalms.
The First Hoos is the praise of Moses the Prophet and the children of Israel after crossing the Red Sea. The Second Hoos is Psalm 136. The Third Hoos is the praise of the three young men in the fiery furnace. The Fourth Hoos consists of three sections, including Psalms 148, 149, and 150.
All of them are praises that sing of God’s mercy and His deliverance from distress. They also declare the participation of all creation with mankind in praising God.

Arrangement of the Praise:
Each day of the seven days of the week has its own Theotokia. In the past, each day had its own rite, as the praise was recited daily.
However, at present, the praise of the whole week is recited on Sunday eve, from Saturday evening until Sunday morning in a Kiahk vigil. Some churches have more than one vigil during the days of the week.

An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Year Eight (Issue Fifty-One) 23-12-1977

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