In the Orthodox Church, the new day, and the new day's worship begins with the setting of the sun, just as it did in the Temple in Jerusalem. A "Vigil" combines several services: Vespers; Matins; and the First Hour.
The first service of the day is Vespers. Vespers recalls and represents the events of the Old Testament. During this service, we give thanks to God for the day that has ended, and ask His protection through the night. The darkness that follows the setting sun reminds us of the darkness of death, the result of our sins; our expulsion from Paradise; our need to repent and to pray for salvation; and the hope we have in the promise of God for a Savior, Who is our Lord Jesus Christ, come to bring us Light, and Life.
Vespers is followed by the service of Matins. Matins recalls and represents the New Testament - the appearance of Christ in the world for our salvation; His life, death, and His glorious Resurrection. The Six Psalms speak of our weak and sinful condition. We pray, and we sing hymns in honor of the saint or event being remembered on the day. We hear the proclamation of the Gospel of the Risen Lord Jesus, and venerate Him through the Scriptures. We listen to the canon, with its remembrance of the faithful of the Old testament period, and the events of our salvation, the life and history of the Church, and a celebration of our Lord, His most holy Mother, and the event or saint being celebrated for our instruction and our rejoicing.
Following Matins is the First Hour. The First Hour traditionally is read one hour after sunrise; but in the Russian tradition, it follows on the evening before, after Matins. The rising of the sun reminds us of our Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. The light of the new day reminds us of the Lord, the Light of the World. We give thanks to God for the hope of a new day, and ask His blessing, that we might be faithful in loving and serving and worshiping Him in the day to come.
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