The Liturgy
Who started the liturgy?
Jesus Christ Himself with His apostles. (Matthew 26:26–28)
What does the word 'Liturgy' mean in Greek?
A Greek word meaning “The work of the people.”
How many Liturgies do we have in the Coptic Church? Name them.
Three: St Basil, St Gregory and St Cyril
When does the Church begin preparing for the Liturgy?
The night before
What can we do in our way to Church?
We can pray Psalms from Agpeya (Coptic Reader - psalms recited on the way to Church)
Sing morning praises or songs
When was the first liturgy established?
On Covenant Thursday, before the Crucifixion. (Luke 22:19–20)
What does 'Koddas' mean, and what does it sanctify?
A Syrian word meaning “Sanctification”
It sanctify the offerings, people, time, and place.
Which Liturgy is the most commonly used in the Coptic church?
St Basil the Great
What services are prayed the night before in preparation for the Divine Liturgy?
Evening Praises (Vespers Praise)
Evening Raising of Incense
Midnight Praises
How should we enter the church? and what to say?
With reverence, Kiss the altar veil, bowing, and praying “We worship you O Christ with your good father and the Holy Spirit for you have come and saved us”
What did Jesus say when He gave bread and wine to His disciples on Covenant Thursday?
Take, eat, this is My Body… This is My Blood… do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19–20)
What does 'Anaphora' mean in Greek?
“Carrying up”—the liturgy lifts us to heaven.
What services are prayed in the morning in preparation for the Divine Liturgy?
Morning Praises
Morning Raising of Incense.
Fill in the blank:
All the Liturgy prayers help prepare us to become -------
worthy to receive Communion
What should we avoid doing in church during Communion? what to do instead?
Avoid: Talking, texting, or sitting
Instead: stay standing, praying (Agpya prayers before and after communion), and singing hymns
What did the apostles do after receiving this command: "do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19–20)
They practiced the Eucharist, met on Sundays to “break bread,” and ordained priests and bishops to continue it. (Acts 2:42–46)
What does "Efkharestia" mean?
“Thanksgiving”—we thank God for His Body and Blood that give us salvation and eternal life.
Which saint’s liturgy is used on major feasts and is full of praises?
St. Gregory the Theologian.
Name three ways to prepare spiritually for the Liturgy.
Repentance & Confession
Attending Raising of Incense & Midnight Praises
Reading the Liturgy readings at home
Fill in the blank:
When we enter the church , we recite this verse from psalm 5: But as for me, I will come into Your ...............
But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple” Psalm 5:6
What is the name of the book that contains the selections of the Bible to be read in the Holy liturgy?
Katameros - means “according to days”
The church readings that are recited throughout the Coptic year are included in five books (Katameros):
1. Standard (annual) Sundays
2. Standard (annual) Weekdays
3. Great Fast
4. Pascha
5. Pentecost (Holy Fifty Days)
What is the name of the book that contains the liturgy prayers?
Arabic : kholagy
Coptic : evkhologion.
That is, the “Book of Prayers.”
Who arranged the ancient liturgy from St. Mark the Apostle?
St. Cyril of Alexandria.
What does fasting before Communion remind us of symbolically?
Christ’s suffering from Gethsemane to the Cross and the new tomb that received His Body. (Matthew 27:59–60)
Why do we kiss the altar veil?
Out of humility, asking for mercy and healing like the woman who touched Christ’s garment. (Mark 5:27–29)