Nymphios Service?

[Αριστοκλής]

I noted yesterday in my copy of Holy Week & Easter Services complied by Fr George Papadeas and published by St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Hempstead, NY (and pretty old - I've used this book every year since 1960) that he mentions "There is a Nymphios Service on Holy Wednesday evening which is usually not heard. In its place we have the Service of the Sacrament of Holy Unction".

I think cleveland mentioned recently that the Service of Holy Unction is technically not part of Holy Week services.

What is this Nymphios service?

[serb1389]

One explanation is that you would do the Unction service like at 3 pm on Wednesday, and then the bridegroom service wednesday evening (like around 7 pm). 

Unfortunately people don't or cannot show up at that time, so we only do one service.  I believe at the monasteries they do both. 

If no one else provides a more in-depth response I will attempt to...

[Αριστοκλής]

Ah! Bridegroom Service.
Thanks. I think we've a thread here on that already.

[Fr. George]

Ah! Bridegroom Service.
Thanks. I think we've a thread here on that already. 

Yeah, Wednesday night should have a service very similar to Tues, Mon, and Sun nights - a Matins for the next day. 

Theoretically the Wednesday night service is not a "Bridegroom" or "Nymphios" service because the hymn "Behold the Bridegroom cometh," ("Idou o Nymphios erxete") isn't chanted, but rather a Troparion for the Supper and Arrest (which is done at the beginning of the chanting Thursday night also, after the Alleluias are chanted).

Otherwise, the format is similar: Alleluias, a hymn done three times, some Kathismata, Gospel reading, part of the Canon, Exapostelaria, Praises, Doxology, petitions, Aposticha, end (w/ prayer of St. Ephraim).

Our clergy Syndesmos of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh sells a book (done by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides) with the Matins of Thursday (i.e. the Wednesday night service).

[pensateomnia]

Our clergy Syndesmos of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh sells a book (done by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides) with the Matins of Thursday (i.e. the Wednesday night service).

Also, Fr. Seraphim has set the service to music. I think it's on orthodoxmarkeplace.

[Fr. George]

Also, Fr. Seraphim has set the service to music. I think it's on orthodoxmarkeplace.

Really? It's funny you point that out: I was only today hearing a complaint from a cantor that this was the only service Fr. Seraphim hadn't done.

Addendum: I only saw MP3 files, no sheet music, for the Thursday matins service.

[serb1389]

He does have it in the packet thats sold on orthodoxmarketplace...

It's the 2007 packet...in case there is a question...

It downloads as a pdf when you buy it.  It has it as Great and Holy Thursday matins (bridegroom service on holy wednesday evening) in music.  the whole thing, in english. 

Theodosopoulos' music has it as well. 

[edited to add content]

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