Divine Liturgy
How do I know when the most sacred part of the service is happening?
What The Church Is Doing Through Anaphora
The most sacred movement of the Liturgy is the Eucharistic offering: the Anaphora, the calling down of the Holy Spirit, the consecration of the gifts, the Fraction, and Holy Communion. If you are new, watch for the service turning toward the gifts on the altar and the people responding with deep reverence.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
What To Listen For Around Anaphora
Several moments help you recognize where you are:
- The priest begins the Eucharistic thanksgiving and the people respond, "And with your spirit."
- The Church remembers the saving work of Christ.
- The words of institution are prayed over the bread and wine.
- The priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to sanctify the gifts.
- The Fraction prayers prepare the faithful for Communion.
These cues do not replace guidance from a priest or servant. They simply help the reader recognize the direction of the service.
What To Do If You Are Unsure
Stand prayerfully if you are able. Watch the people around you. Keep your attention on the altar. If people kneel, bow, or become especially still, follow as you are comfortable and able.
Receiving Holy Communion has its own preparation and pastoral boundaries. Someone who is not prepared to receive should remain prayerful and ask the priest what the next step should be.
Why This Matters
The Liturgy teaches about Christ and gives communion with Christ. Recognizing the Eucharistic movement helps the reader understand why the Church becomes so reverent around the altar and why preparation for Communion is treated seriously.
- Coptic Rites (4): Liturgy of the Believers, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Teaching slides on the Anaphora, institution narrative, invocation of the Holy Spirit, consecration, litanies, and Communion.
- Coptic Liturgies, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Overview of the Divine Liturgy, the three Coptic liturgies, and the principal parts of the Eucharistic service.
- Liturgies of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles. Diocesan introduction describing the Liturgy as the Eucharistic remembrance and celebration of Christ's sacrifice.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
Anaphora: The Eucharistic prayer of offering and thanksgiving. The word means a lifting up or offering, and it includes the Church's great thanksgiving over the gifts.
Holy Communion: The faithful receiving the true Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, after baptismal life, repentance, confession, fasting, reconciliation, and pastoral preparation.
Altar: The holy table in the sanctuary where the Eucharistic gifts are offered and consecrated, treated with reverence as the center of liturgical worship.