Church Architecture/
Vessels
Vessels
What does the Ostrich egg symbolize?
God watching over us at all times and taking care of us
Where is the iconostasis in the church (it separates the ____ from the ____)
Between the Nave and the Sanctuary
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.
Where on the Iconostasis should the icon of the Last Supper be mounted?
In the middle
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), Hegomen, 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
What is A Tonia, stole and Cap?
Tonia- white robe, stole- A wide red ribbon worn over the shoulders of the deacon, cap- round hat worn by bishops and priests
Why do we sing Hymns in our Coptic church?
In heaven, the angels praise God incessantly; by singing hymns, we offer God His due praise and glory and bring ourselves closer to heaven. Singing hymns of praise has been connected with practicing the sacraments since the time of the early church in order to prepare our souls to receive the power of grace that lies in 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.
How many Hooses are in Tasbeha? And what is a lobsh?
4 "Hoos"-es or canticles. Each Hoos is taken from the Bible, followed by a "Lobsh" or explanation hymn.
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 super, st Mary, St John the evangelist, archangel michael, st Mark, 12 disciples, Jesus on His throne, the annunciation, crucifixion, patron saint of the church
What are Psalis and Theotokias?
Psalis are hymns that accompany either a Theotokia or Hoos and Theotokias are glorifications of St. Mary that intricately explore the various symbols of the Virgin and Christ's incarnation present in the Old Testament.
What do these priest vestment colors represent, white, gold, red, purple and black?
White -Signifies purity, cleanliness, innocence, sanctification of the heart, and the virtues that God’s servants should have. Gold-Represents royalty and majesty. Red or Crimson- Symbolic of the Blood of our Savior in which we have the New Covenant of the remission of our sins. Purple or Dark Blue- Represent mourning, used only during funeral services, and the Holy Passion Week. Black- Indicates spiritual poverty – historically the easiest and cheapest color to dye fabric also the Color of mourning/death – symbolizes dying to oneself to rise and serve the Lord
Why is it important to learn about the traditions and symbolism in our church?
By learning about the traditions and symbolism in our Church, we can appreciate the rich history of our Coptic heritage. We should meditate on all of the symbolism of the vestments during the liturgy. We must seek to be distinct in our Christian lifestyle so that the world can see that we are followers of Christ.