Language and Chant
What does “Alleluia” mean?
What The Prayers Teach About Alleluia
Alleluia means "Praise the Lord." It is a biblical word of praise that appears throughout Christian worship, especially around hymns, psalms, Gospel proclamation, and feasts.
Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.
Why It Is Chanted
Alleluia is a word the Church sings. In the Liturgy it trains the faithful to answer God's work with praise, even when the service is solemn.
A Simple Way To Join
Listen for the repeated Alleluia and follow the people around you. If you can only join one line of a hymn, join that line. Praise often begins with one familiar word.
References
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
- 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.
- Coptic Hymns and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, Mighty Arrows Magazine, SUSCopts. Introductory article on music, hymnody, and praise within the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil.
- Week 3: Hymns, Coptic Education. Introductory lesson describing Coptic services as chanted and noting seasonal hymns for different occasions.
Terms used in this article
Alleluia: A biblical word of praise meaning praise the Lord, sung often in worship as the Church responds to God's presence and works.