How to read the Psalter in church and at home
In church, the Psalter is read in a special, complex order. Its liturgical charter determines it. It describes the periods when two kathismas are read at Matins, when three kathismas are read. During the days of Great Lent, a special order is established: psalms are read at Matins, Vespers and the first, third, sixth, ninth hours.
During Holy Week, starting from Maundy Thursday, the Psalter is not read in churches. These days it is prohibited to read kathismas in private. For all other days, there are precise recommendations for church ministers; for the laity, each day of the week has its own rules for reading the psalms, they are simpler.
Matins begins with the reading of six psalms, the fiftieth one must be known by heart, it is said more often than others. Those who are healthy read while standing, those who are sick read while sitting. The words are pronounced in a low voice, observing the correct stress, delving into the content.
Comment! In 2022, the Psalter is not read for 365 days at home and in church from April 16 to St. Thomas Sunday (Red Hill) - April 26.
With the exception of the indicated 10 days, the Psalter is read at home with prayers for the repose of the departed and for the health of loved ones. According to the Charter developed by the Church, the order of reading does not matter much. In private, kathismas and psalms can be read at your own discretion.
It is recommended to start with one kathisma and read the Psalter in order for 20 days. The priest helps determine the order. People turn to him for a blessing to read the Psalter.
| Psalms | As needed |
| 18 | Protect yourself from sins |
| 45, 67 | From demonic attacks |
| 4, 7, 36, 51 | From slander, accusations |
| 11 | From anger, pride |
| 5, 27, 43, 54, 78, 79, 138 | Humble the Spirit |
| 17 | Give thanks for the victory |
| 90, 3, 12, 21, 68, 76, 26, 82, 142, 101 | In grief if a misfortune happens |
| 90, 3, 37, 139, 49, 2, 58, 53 | Protection from intrigues and enemies |
| 66 | Asking God for mercy |
| 69, 46, 29 | In illness |
| 30 | Confusion of the soul |
| 139, 63, 58, 53, 49 | From damage |
| 50, 129, 6, 56, 24 | Repentance |
| 103, 102 | Spiritual joy |
| 41, 42, 62, 142 | On my way |
| 38 | Request for a peaceful death |
| 118 | For the deceased |
| 67, 142 | From the evil one |
After Easter, the Psalter is read at home according to the rules. A woman should cover her head with a scarf and wear a skirt. The man does not cover his head. They light the candle standing in front of the icon and cross themselves three times. After this, start reading.
The names of relatives, acquaintances, friends, deceased and living are listed after each Glory. Before this, they must be baptized. Having finished reading the last psalm, they thank the Lord and close the Psalter. The names of militant atheists, suicides, esotericists, magicians, and the unbaptized cannot be mentioned.
