Liturgy (Liturgy of the Faithful (Part 2))

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the Coptic Liturgy, focusing on the Liturgy of the Faithful. He reviews key components, including the Matins service, the offering of the Lamb, and the Liturgy of the Word, which highlights scriptural readings such as Pauline and Catholic epistles, Acts, and daily commemorations from the Coptic calendar. Fr. Matthias explains the structure and symbolism of the Liturgy of the Believers, describing the prayer of reconciliation, the sanctification of the bread and wine, and the role of the Holy Spirit during the epiclesis. He also delves into the seven litanies, prayers for clergy ranks, and the significance of the fraction, or breaking of the bread, linking it to Christ’s sacrifice. The talk includes an overview of the Coptic Church’s clergy hierarchy and the theological understanding of the communion prayers, emphasizing the spiritual connection between heaven and earth. Fr. Matthias concludes by touching on the different liturgies used in the Coptic Church and their historical context.