Afterwards, verses from the book of Lamentations are read, followed by the kinnot, with customs varying among the communities, the general custom being to recite five or six kinnoth specifically composed for Tikkun Chatzos, some of which were composed by Rabbi Mosheh Alshich.

In his study of Grigor Naregatsi, the tenth century Armenian religious mystic, Chobanian considers Madyan Voghperkuyuni (Book of lamentations) one of the greatest literary pieces in world literature and it is due to Chobanians insight that Grigor Naregatsi has gained such a repertory.