Holy Liturgy

Coptic Orthodox Church is a

Liturgical Church

Tonight

• The History of the Liturgy

• The Basic Structure of the Liturgy

• Raising of Incense

• Church Architecture

The History of the Liturgy

• (1cor 11:23- 25) “That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do to you, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The History of the Liturgy

CHRIST Apostle

Church

“of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” Acts 1:3)

Liturgy of St. Mark

• Middle of 1st century – St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt

• Liturgy of St. Mark

• Originally in Greek

• First Eucharist – Upper room at St. Mark’s house

• Liturgy of St. Basil started to be used at the end of 4th century

Sixth Century

• Liturgy of St. Mark translated to Coptic (Renamed to St. Cyril)

3 most common Coptic Liturgies

• Liturgy of St. Basil

• Liturgy of St. Gregory

• Liturgy of St. Cyril

NO CHANGE

Church Building

Theology of Orientation

1. Christ is our East (Malachi 4:2)

2. A Reminder of the Lost Paradise

3. Waiting for the Parousia of Christ

4. Looking towards the cross

5. The Orientation of the graves

Shape of the Church Building

• The Cruciform

• The Circle

• The shape of a Ship

Cruciform shape

• Crucified body of Christ – Mostly byzantine style

The Circular shape

• Eternal nature of Christ as being an endless line

Ship Shape

• Most common

• Old Testament:– Symbol of Salvation

• Noah’s Ark

• New Testament:– Sailing amisdst a frightful dagers, but within

the Lords ship, we are filled with hope of eternal rest

3 Division

1. Sanctuary (containing Altars)

2. The Nave1. Deacons (Chancel)

2. Believers (Main Nave)

3. The Narthex for the Catechumens

Basic Structure of the Holy Liturgy

Could separate the in 4 parts:

1. Raising of Incense (Vespers and Matins)

2. Assembly

3. Liturgy of the Word (Teaching portion)

4. Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharist portion)

Raising of Incense

1. The Thanksgiving Prayer2. The Mystery of Incense

3. The major Litanies 4. The procession of Incense5. EFNOTI NAI NAN

(Have mercy upon us,O God)

6. Litany of the Gospel.

7. The 5 minor Litanies. 8. The 3 Absolutions . 9. The blessing and

departure.

1. The Thanksgiving Prayer•Every prayer starts with thanking the Lord. (Eph. 5:20) “Giving thanks always for all things unto God “

•The priest stand outside God’s door prostrates as a humble request that God accept his prayers, for himself and the people.

2. The Mystery of Incense

1.Abel [offer the 1st born]. 2.Noah [offer of every pure animal, bird]. 3.Melchizedek [bread & wine].4.Aaron [offer sacrifices for himself & his people].5.Zacharias [offer incense in the sanctuary].

5 spoonful of incense.

4. The Incense CircuitRaising the incense: out side the sanctuaryN (St.Mary) Hail you O full of grace.W Hail to the choir of the angels.S Hail to John … the priest the son of the priest.E Let us worship our Savior.

• Vespers: Litany of Departed

• Matins: Litany of the – The sick– travelers (not on Sundays) – The offering

5. EFNOTI NAI NAN (Have mercy upon us,O God)

E

N S

W

E

Hear us

Amen

Help us

Bless us

Guard us

Prayer of Simon the Elder

6. Litany of the Gospel

Pray for the holy gospel

Blessed be He who comes in the name

of the Lord.

• The priest goes around the alter with the censer saying; “Lord, now You letting Your servant depart in peace.”

7. The 5 minor Litanies Peace : Remember, O Lord, the peace of Your one,… Church.

Lord have mercy Fathers: Remember, O Lord, our blessed … Papa abba

Shenouda the III and his spiritual brothers.Lord have mercy

Holy places: Remember, O Lord, the salvation of this Yours holy place.

Lord have mercy Waters, Plants, Fruits: Graciously accord, O Lord, to bless …

Lord have mercy x3Assemblies : Remember, O Lord, Assemblies, …bless them.

Lord have mercy

The Prayers of Submission +But let Your people be in blessing 1000’s…

Blessing O King of peace, grant us Your peace…

3 Absolutions

DismissalGo in peace. The Lord be with you all. Amen.