Intro to Liturgy
Where does the word "liturgy" come from, and what does it mean?
Two Greek words meaning "the work of the people."
Why do we prepare our hearts before the Liturgy?
To make room for God to enter our hearts and be able to accept his Holy Body and Precious Blood with clarity.
What happens in the Baptistry?
People are baptized and begin their new life with Christ.
What is the first part of the Divine Liturgy called?
Offering of the Lamb
Why is taking Communion important?
It's God's true Body and Blood and helps us grow through God spiritually.
Why do we call liturgy, "the work of the people"?
It's an official public service where everyone gathers to worship God and participate together as one Body.
What are somethings we can do alone/with abouna to prepare our hearts? (3)
- Read the Bible
- Pray
- Confess/Repent
What does the circle shape of a church remind us of?
Jesus Christ, who has no beginning and no end.
Why does the priest wash his hands?
To show purity and remind us to prepare our hearts.
Where did the first liturgy happen and who was there?
- The upper room in Jerusalem.
- Jesus and the 12 disciples.
What is the most important part of the Coptic Divine Liturgy?
Partaking in the Holy Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ)
What are somethings we can do as a church to prepare our hearts? (3)
- Tasbeha
- Service
- Sunday School
What is the name of the wooden wall with icons that separates the Nave from the Sanctuary?
The Iconostasis
What is the chalice and what two things are mixed in it?
The chalice is a standing cup that holds the wine and water.
When do we recite the Orthodox creed?
During the Liturgy of the faithful.
Which liturgy is addressed specifically to Jesus Christ (God the Son) rather than God the Father?
The Liturgy of St. Gregory
What is the difference between confession and repentance?
Repentance is feeling sorry and turning back to God; confession is bringing our sins to Abouna to receive God's forgiveness.
Why are many Coptic churches built in the shape of an ark?
Because the ark reminds us that God saves His people, just as the Church helps save us.
What are two things that St. Julius of Aqfahs did after Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians?
He wrote saints’ stories
Visited saints in prison
Healed their wounds
Helped bury them
Who is a catechumen?
Someone learning the faith but not yet baptized
Name the three Liturgies, who wrote each one, and how they differ.
- St. Basil (Written by St. Basil the Great) praying to God the Father.
- St. Cyril (initially written by Saint Mark the Apostle and was later reordered and arranged by St. Cyril of Alexanderia) translated into Coptic and is usually only prayed once a year (on the Friday before Palm Sunday).
- St. Gregory (Written by St. Gregory the Theologian) praying to God the Son.
Who is best prepared to come to the Liturgy? Why?
Someone who prayed, forgave others, and tried to repent. Because they did the things needed to meet and accept God.
During the Divine Liturgy, what 3 things do we experience with our senses?
- We see the icons
- We hear the hymns.
- We smell the incense and receive Holy Communion.
What are the 5 main readings that take place during the Liturgy of the Word?
Why do we greet one another with a holy kiss and when does it happen?
It's a sign of peace and reconciliation, and it takes place during the Liturgy of the faithful.