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The Order of
Compline
The office of
Compline is the final office (or service) of the day according to the
ancient, monastic cycle of canonical hours (increments for daily
prayer.) The term Compline (from the Latin "completorium" or "compleated"),
was first used by St. Benedict in the 6th century, and was part of the "Rule
of Benedict," a book of guidelines for monks living and praying in monastic
communities. Compline is intended to be repetative and easily memorized and
recited in an almost trance-like manner. Compline services emphasize
rest, spiritual peace and contemplation.
In certain ways, Compline, as sung at Heinz
Chapel by the Pittsburgh Compline Choir, is more elaborate than the
office itself is intended to be.
The Order of Service used by the Pittsburgh
Compline Choir is an expanded and enlarged version of the Order for
Compline in the Lutheran Book of Worship. Some worshippers have compared
our version of Compline to the Anglican service of Choral
Evensong, since the majority of the worship service is sung by the choir
on behalf of the congregation, as at Evensong.
If you attend Compline, you will have the
opportunity to spend some time in quiet meditation in the candlelit
beauty of Heinz Chapel. Attending Compline is a perfect way to end your
weekend or begin your week rested and refreshed. Please join us!
The following is an example of our Order of
Services. The music changes weekly, but the elements remain the
same. We hope you enjoy exploring our site.
(Click to enlarge)
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