Coptic Orthodox : Terms


Let me start off by saying that this entry is going to be a monster. I'm going to cover as much as I can before I, too, am overwhelmed. After all, one can not read a couple entires to digest a religion in its entirety.

How am I going to do this? I'm going to break up terms/ themes/ practices into headers and hopefully this will all come together in some sense of semblance. *heavy sigh* HERE WE GO!

CALENDAR

The Coptic Calendar ( AKA: Alexandrian Calendar, which is named after the capital at the time when St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt) is very different from the calendar you and I are both familiar with. In case you didn't know, we follow the Gregorian Calendar which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.

The Coptic Calendar consists of 13 months with the year beginning on September 11 (Gregorian) or Thout 1 (Coptic). To be honest, its rather unfortunate the Coptic New Year shares the anniversary of 9-11 and that a majority of Coptics are of Egyptian descent. I'm pretty sure the last 13 years have been really hard for them because the bigotry that ensues the populous.

Anyway, the name Thout comes from the Ancient Egyptian God, Thoth, who was the God of wisdom and science. He also marked the changing of time which includes seasons, months, and years. So basically, the months are named after Ancient Egyptian Terms because at the time of its (the religion) beginning that was all the followers knew.

Today's Date: 2 Paapi 1731

LANGUAGE

There are two primary languages spoken in Liturgy; they are Arabic and Coptic. Coptic is a language similar to Greek in this appearance but mirrors the Late Egyptian language. From my understanding, Coptic is not used in conversation but is reserved for scripture.

English was only introduced more recently within the last century.

HOLY KISSES

Holy Kisses or Apostolic Kisses (No, they are not actual kisses!)  are exchanged amongst the congregation. It is an act of forgiveness because it is said in Matthew 5: 23 - 24, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in from of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." And in that act of forgiveness we embrace each other as one family in Jesus Christ.

So in order to receive God, we must bless and forgive one another in tiding of love and fellowship.

How is this done? : A members touch fingertips to the fingertips of their neighbors and then brings them up to their lips and this is repeated all those around.  It is very similar to shaking hands and greeting one another at the beginning of an Evangelist service with the exception that the Holy Kiss has a little more a Biblical background.

CONGREGATION

At a traditional Coptic Church, the congregation is broken up between males and females. Women on the right side and men on the left. This practice is done to keep purity of thoughts when standing before God on Sunday.

Also, when communion commences, the men are served first most likely due to the fact that Adam came before Eve. Yes, it sounds misogynist, but it is the order of things according to Genesis.

COMMUNION

Communion is allowed to those who are baptized in the church ie: I have not taken communion and will continue not to until that time comes if/when I decide to convert. (I'm soo converting, huh? I've never been this thorough before.)

Bread:
The bread that is used is picked out during Liturgy based on its 'most perfect' in comparison to the other pieces of bread which is circular in shape to represent that there is no beginning and no end to God. The bread itself is made freshly of pure wheat, leavened but unsalted because Christ is the salt of the earth.

Side note: the concept of Christ being the salt of the earth has a historical meaning. Back then salt was used to keep food from spoiling due to the lack of refrigeration. So in this scenario, Christ is preserver of mankind. The second is the concept that that salt was used to seasoned foods and bring flavor. So in this sense, Christ brings the flavor of life to our existence.

Back to the bread, it is stamped with 12 crosses each represents the 12 disciples. It is then pierced 5 times to represent the 3 nails, the crown, and spear used during Christ's crucification.

Wine:
The wine is mixed with water to represent the blood and water pouring out form Christ when he was on the cross.

HEAD COVERING

Women are suppose to cover their hair during service because traditionally it is said that a women's 'beauty/ treasure' is found in her hair. Therefore; it is essential that she covers her 'beauty/ treasure' in the presence of God to state that HE is more.

This is in reference to 1 Corinthians 11: 13-15 which states, "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that is a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering."


DUDE! I'm soo done now. PEACE! Hope you all learned something new. Thanks for reading!

My next entry will be about my visit to St. Paul: American Orthodox Church.

Many Blessings
Linda

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