Hours, Liturgy of the

   This term (from the Greek hōra, meaning "hour") refers to the prayers that are to be recited by priests, deacons, and members of religious communities at various times during the day: matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none,vespers, and compline. Since the Second Vatican Council, the so-called little hours (prime, terce, sext, and none) are no longer obligatory. The Liturgy of the Hours includes hymns, psalms, readings, and prayers that are to be recited at various hours of the day; these prayers are printed in a Book of Hours, also known as the Breviary or Divine Office. (See CCC 1174-1178)