Great Lent
How many days does the Coptic Orthodox Lent last, and what biblical event does it mirror?
55 days, mirroring Christ’s 40-day fast in the wilderness, plus the preparatory week.
What liturgical book organizes the readings and prayers for each hour of Pascha Week?
The Pascha Lectionary (Katamaros)
Why is the General Funeral Prayer performed on Palm Sunday in the Coptic Orthodox tradition?
Because no funerals are conducted during Pascha Week.
The Bright Saturday service is centered around readings from which major biblical book?
The Book of Revelation
In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the season following the Resurrection, lasting until Pentecost, is called what?
The Fifty Holy Days
What is the name of the first week of Lent, which serves as a preparatory period before the official fast begins?
The Preparatory Week
During Pascha services, why is the phrase "Amen, Alleluia" omitted
As a sign of mourning and solemnity during Christ’s Passion
The hymn "Epouro" (O King of Peace), chanted on Palm Sunday, focuses on which two biblical themes?
Christ’s Kingship and Messianic Prophecy
The Bright Saturday readings follow a cycle of seven litanies. What do these litanies symbolically reflect?
The seven sacraments of the Church
The date of the Feast of the Resurrection is determined based on rules established by which early ecumenical council?
The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
In early Christianity, Lent was closely tied to the preparation of which group of individuals for baptism?
Catechumens
Which Old Testament prophet is most frequently referenced in the Pascha Week readings due to his messianic prophecies?
Isaiah
Which event, commemorated the day before Palm Sunday, is known as "Lazarus Saturday"?
The raising of Lazarus from the dead
The "Hymn of the Three Young Men" sung on Bright Saturday connects their story to Christ’s victory over Hades. Which Old Testament book records their story?
The Book of Daniel
In Coptic iconography of the Resurrection, Christ is often depicted pulling which two biblical figures from Hades?
Adam and Eve
The Gospel readings during Lent focus heavily on Christ’s divinity and theological depth, primarily drawing from which Gospel?
The Gospel of John
What is the name of the long hymn chanted on Good Friday, meaning “the place of the skull”?
Golgotha
During Palm Sunday processions in the Coptic Church, which two Old Testament figures are symbolically referenced?
Abraham and Moses
What is the theological significance of Christ’s descent into Hades, which Bright Saturday commemorates?
It signifies Christ’s defeat of death by liberating the righteous souls who were awaiting salvation.
The Resurrection hymn "Khristos Anesti" has direct parallels with an ancient hymn recorded in which early Christian document?
The Didache
Which two major ecumenical councils influenced the canons regulating the length and strictness of the Lenten fast?
The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Council of Laodicea (364 AD)
The phrase "Thok Te Ti Gom" ("Thine is the Power") comes from which Old Testament event read on Good Friday?
King Hezekiah’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6
Which Psalm is quoted by the people during Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem, proclaiming “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”?
Psalm 118:26
How does the structure of Bright Saturday services differ from other liturgical prayers of Holy Week?
It shifts from sorrowful lamentation to a victorious and joyful tone, anticipating the Resurrection.
Which women were the first to witness the Resurrection, according to the Gospels?
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.