The Coptic Church Shapes
How many Coptic Church shapes are there?
3 shapes.
1. Cross shape
2. Circular shape
3. Ark shape
How many Church sections have you learned so far?
5.
Where do the congregation sit?
The Nave.
Complete this sentence. The R______ d_____ is located at the centre of the S__________.
For more points, explain, in your own words, why the R______ d_____ is called this.
Royal door. Sanctuary.
It is called the Royal door because, through it, we receive the King of Glory, our Lord Jesus Christ.
What does the word 'iconostasis' mean?
Icon's stand.
It is a wooden or marble stand that holds the icon.
What is the most commonly used shape in the Coptic Orthodox Church?
Ark shape. The Church of God alone has the ability to save men.
Complete this sentence. Inside the C_____, there is a p______(2).
What does (2) mean? What is it? What can it be made of? Who stands behind it?
Depending on how much you answer, this question may earn you bonus points.
Chancel. Pulpit.
'Pulpit' means platform. It is an elevated stand, made out of stone or wood, for the preacher or reader to stand behind before the congregation.
Who is allowed inside the Sanctuary? Why?
For bonus points, explain why in detail.
The priest/bishop/Pope.
Archdeacons, deacons.
It is a holy place. It is where the Altar is, which is where the bread and wine are made holy and sanctified to become the True, Precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is located on the sides of what is at the centre of the Sanctuary?
The Iconostasis.
Explain the order of the Saints and Archangels on the Iconostasis.
Hint: Look for a page in your Religion booklet.
Refer to page 5 of your booklet.
Explain the meanings of the Coptic Church shapes in your own words in 30 seconds.
Cross: Reminds us that through the Cross we are saved!
Circular: Reminds us that Jesus has no beginning and no end, like a circle.
Ark: Reminds us that just like Noah and his family were saved in the ark, so are we safe in the Church.
Who sits inside the Chancel and what Church section is it in front of?
For bonus points, what else is located in the Chancel?
The deacons. It is in front of the Iconostasis.
The bishop's throne.
Who is on the right side of what is at the centre of the Sanctuary?
Who is on the left side of what is at the centre of the Sanctuary?
For bonus points, what does the iconostasis remind us? Explain in your own words.
An icon of our Lord Jesus Christ.
An icon of the Mother of God, Saint Mary.
It reminds us of the Saints and Heavenly Beings who are present with us to participate in our praises to God.
Complete the sentence. The _______ shape is common in the Coptic Church, but not the most common Coptic Church shape.
Circular.
Look at the following 3 images.
Name the Church sections as fast as you can.
For bonus points, name the remaining 2 church sections.
1. The Nave.
2. The Iconostasis.
3. The Altar.
4. The Chancel.
5. The Sanctuary.
Complete the sentence. The ______ shape is rarely used in the Coptic Church.
Cross.
Complete the sentence. ______(1) are holy pictures anointed with _______.
For bonus points, in your own words, explain why (1) face the west.
(1) Icons.
Myron.
Icons on the iconostasis face the west to invite us to Heaven, as we face the east in prayer.