Language and Chant
What does “Efnouti nai nan” mean?
What The Prayers Teach About Efnouti Nai Nan
Efnouti nai nan means "God have mercy on us." It is a Coptic form of the same basic prayer as "Lord, have mercy."
Why Visitors Hear It Often
Mercy is one of the main responses of the Liturgy. The Church asks God for mercy before readings, during litanies, around the altar prayers, and in moments of repentance. The phrase is short, but it carries the whole Church's need for God.
How To Learn It
Learn it by meaning first. Say "God have mercy on us" in English when you hear the Coptic phrase. After a few services, the sound will become familiar enough to answer with the Church.
References
- Coptic Language, Servants Preparation Program, SUSCopts. Introductory Coptic language lesson explaining Bohairic Coptic as the dialect used in the Church's liturgical services.
- 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.
- Language Balance in Deacon Responses and Hymns, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer encouraging English for participation while keeping a balanced use of Coptic and other languages in parish worship.
Terms used in this article
Altar: The holy table in the sanctuary where the Eucharistic gifts are offered and consecrated, treated with reverence as the center of liturgical worship.