Church Architecture
What is hung up from the middle of the Royal Door on the Iconostasis? What does it symbolize?
Ostrich Egg: reminds us God is always watching us closely and taking care of us.
Who can use the Royal Door to enter or exit the altar?
Patriarch, bishops, priests, deacons accompanied by priest
What’s antiphony?
alternating between sides (north and south). When one side is chanting, the other side should be praying and contemplating on the prayers being sung
Name three deacon ranks?
The Chanter (Epsaltos), The Reader (Anagnostos), Subdeacon (Epideacon), Deacon
What does the smoke from the censor symbolize and what should we do when we see Abouna, walking around the church with the censor?
The smoke symbolizes our prayers going to heaven and we should pray when we see Abouna walking with the censor.
What does the church dome symbolize? And what is the interior of the dome painted with?
The dome interior is usually painted with the icon of our Lord or in a bright blue color decorated with angels and stars. This resembles Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church who is seated in the heavens.
What icon is found on the same level as the 12 disciples?
The Last Supper
Name the 3 liturgies we have in our Coptic church?
Liturgy of Liturgy of Saint Basil, Liturgy of St Gregory, Liturgy of St Cyril
Name priest ranks in ascending order?
Priest (presbyter), Hegumen, Bishop, Patriarchs (pope)
Why do we have icons and iconostasis?
The icons on the iconostasis are use to help the faithful focus on prayer. Everyone in the congregation should fix his eyes on the Lord
What does the upper dome and lower cup on the censor symbolize?
The upper dome represents heaven. The lower cup represents the womb of Mary.
On icons, what color is used for heaven, evil, and for clothes?
Name 3 out of the 6 hymn tunes used in the church throughout the year?
Annual, Joyful/Festive, Palm Sunday (Hosanna Tune), Sorrowful, Kiahk Tune, Lenten Tune
Abouna Antony
Why do we sing Hymns in our Coptic church?
By singing hymns, we offer God His due praise and glory and bring ourselves closer to heaven and prepare our souls to receive the sacraments.
What do the pillars in the church symbolize, sometimes 12 pillars, sometimes 4?
Churches that are not large enough to sustain twelve pillars representing the 12 disciples, may have four pillars that represent the four evangelists.
What color do martyrs wear in icons, why, and what do they hold on their hands?
They wear red for shedding their blood for Jesus and they hold a cross symbolizing where their strength came from, and/or palm branches. as a symbol of their entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. They may also hold the instruments of their martyrdom. If they are soldier martyrs, they usually hold their weapons.
What is a Lobsh and what is its purpose?
A hymn in Tasbeha following each of the 4 Hooses that explains the Hoos.
What is pastorial staff and who can carry one?
Priestly and monastic garb is distinct and countercultural. What are some ways that we can dress and act that will show the world that we are followers of Christ?
When does the priest raise incense?
During vespers, Matins, and the liturgy
Name 5 icons that are part of the iconostasis.
The Last Supper, St Mary, St John the Evangelist, Archangel Michael, St Mark, 12 disciples, Jesus on His throne, the annunciation, crucifixion, patron saint of the church
You have 2 minutes to decide on a hymn with your team to sing to the class all together
:)
What must be done to Liturgical Vestments before they are used?
How many bells are on the censer? What do they represent?
12 bells, 12 disciples