Coptic Prayerbook

Coptic Prayer is much like any other "Orthodox Prayer" with the exception of some nuanced differences.  There are rifts between the Coptic Church and the main body of the Orthodox Church - theological debates, mostly - but a lot of the praxis would appear the same to outsiders.  The Copts do use instrument in worship, mostly percussion.  Traditional Orthodox parishes do not.

This prayerbook will offer the Liturgy of the Hours, Coptic Style.  As with all Orthodox services, you will notice they are lengthy.  It is heavily littered with Psalms, regardless of the service.  There is a thing called a "Kathisma" in Orthodoxy worship.  In this use referring to the list of Psalms read at the different services.  The Orthodox Psalter has a table that tells the Reader (a tonsured rank of the clergy) what Psalms are to be read at what services.  The bundle of Psalms to be read at that service are called a "kathisma" - the word means "sitting".  These are the Psalms to be read in that sitting.

When you go to a monastery or larger Cathedral church the services may be done in full.  But, at smaller parishes you will find that these services are foreshortened.  This practice is a division in many churches forms of worship.  It is known as the monastic rite and the parish rite (colloquially).

This prayerbook is found at the site of the Church of St. Takla (Tekkla).  Keep in mind the Psalms in the Orthodox Church are from the Septuagint Translation, which means the numbering is off here and there because of the way the Psalms are divided there.  You may see the number of a Psalm and think it is not the way you remember it.  This is why.  All the Psalms are in this translation, just numbered differently in some cases.

Prayerbook

Site of Saint Takla

A Quote from Saint John Chrysostom on the use of the Psalms in Orthodox Worship:

"If we keep vigil in church, David comes first, last and central. If early in the morning we want songs and hymns, first, last and central is David again. If we are occupied with the funeral solemnities of those who have fallen asleep, or if virgins sit at home and spin, David is first, last and central. O amazing wonder! Many who have made little progress in literature know the Psalter by heart. Nor is it only in cities and churches that David is famous; in the village market, in the desert, and in uninhabitable land, he excites the praise of God. In monasteries, among those holy choirs of angelic armies, David is first, last and central. In the convents of virgins, where are the communities of those who imitate Mary; in the deserts where there are men crucified to the world, who live their life in heaven with God, David is first, last and central. All other men at night are overcome by sleep. David alone is active, and gathering the servants of God into seraphic bands, he turns earth into heaven, and converts men into angels."

from the Shrine of Saint Jude

Peace,

Tom +