Divine Liturgy
Why does the priest choose one Lamb from the holy bread?
Why One Lamb Is Chosen
The priest chooses one Lamb from the holy bread prepared for the Liturgy because one Eucharistic offering is placed on the altar. The choice points to Christ, the one Savior, and to the unity of the Church gathered around one altar.
For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
Why The Holy Bread Is Examined
The priest does not choose casually. The holy bread is prepared for the service, and the priest examines it before selecting the Lamb. The rite teaches care before holy things. What will be offered on the altar is set apart with attention, prayer, and reverence.
What The Chosen Lamb Shows
The choice of the Lamb is part of the Church's preparation for the Eucharist. In this moment, the service moves from general prayer into the specific offering that will lead to 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.
- Eulogia and Holy Bread, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer describing the holy bread that may be chosen to become the Lamb of the Eucharist.
- 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.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
- 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.
Lamb: The holy bread selected during the Offering of the Lamb, named in relation to Christ the Lamb of God who gives Himself for the life of the world.
Korban: The holy bread prepared for the Coptic Liturgy. During the Offering of the Lamb, one is selected to be offered and consecrated as the holy Body of Christ.
Altar: The holy table in the sanctuary where the Eucharistic gifts are offered and consecrated, treated with reverence as the center of liturgical worship.
Eucharist: A Greek word meaning thanksgiving. In Orthodox worship it names the sacrament in which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
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.