Divine Liturgy
When does the homily happen?
The Homily In The Service
The homily usually comes after the Gospel reading, though the exact timing can vary by parish, feast, pastoral need, or bishop's direction. Its place after the readings is important: the homily explains the Scriptures the Church has just heard.
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Why It Is Placed There
The homily belongs to the Liturgy of the Word. The Church first hears the apostolic readings and the Gospel, then receives teaching that calls the people to repentance, faith, and life in Christ.
What Happens Afterward
The Liturgy continues. The homily is not the end or center of the service. After the readings and teaching, the Church confesses the Creed, prays, reconciles, and moves toward the Eucharistic offering.
- Coptic Rites (3): Liturgy of the Word, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Teaching slides on the Pauline, Catholic Epistle, Praxis, Synaxarium, Gospel litany, Creed, and related rites.
- Why are there multiple readings during the Liturgy?, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer naming the Pauline Epistle, Catholic Epistle, Praxis, Synaxarium, and Holy Gospel as the five readings.
- 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.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
Bishop: A successor in the apostolic ministry who shepherds the Church, ordains clergy, guards the faith, and presides in the unity of the local Church.
Creed: The Church's shared confession of faith, proclaimed in the Liturgy before the Eucharistic prayer as the faithful stand together in apostolic belief.