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Rational Sacrifice

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Sacraments › Rational Sacrifice

The question

What is "rational sacrifice" referred to in the Divine Liturgy?

The answer

During the Divine Liturgy we should have in mind that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Sacrifice, the Altar and the Priest who is offering the sacrifice on the altar. In the prayers for the Fathers we pray saying "Their prayers ….do receive upon Your holy, heavenly and rational altar" the word "rational" here means 'understanding'. This refers to the Son of God Who is the Logos, the Word of God and the Understanding of God.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 353 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.