Armenian Lenten Services

The Peace Service, the Rest Service, and the Sunrise Service are performed more often during Lent than at other times of the year.  (Often, Peace and Rest services are performed on Friday evenings.)  They are part of the Church's cycle of seven daily worship services, but are used especially during Lent because they are penitential in nature and remind us of the effort we are making to restore our pure and joyous relationship with God.

Peace Service, performed in the late evening, contains prayers for peace at the end of the day.  Its prayers remind us that God is with us even in the face of trial and temptation.

Rest Service, which comes just before retiring for the night, asks God's continuing care through the night.  It contains the prayer of St. Nersess.

Sunrise Service, performed first thing in the morning, reminds us that God is the giver of the light of the morning and the light of salvation.  Its beautiful prayers and hymns have the fresh and serene quality of the most beautiful time of day.  This service is done in our churches before or after Sunday morning liturgy.