What is the rite of ringing church bells?

The answer

a. Church bells are rung during the Offering of the Lamb, announcing that Christ the

King reigns in our souls through His sacrifice. They are also rung during communion, declaring the joy of the Church in this heavenly feast.

b. They are rung during feasts with special joyful rhythms.

c. At the passing of a church member, a special Paschal rhythm is used as a way for the

whole Church to share in the mourning. Some people call this rhythm, “the mourning rhythm” while others reject this name as the rhythm rather brings peace to the heart. The Pascal rhythm is also rung at the beginning of every hour on Good Friday.

d. On the feasts of our Lord, Sundays, and during the Holy Fifty Days between the

Resurrection Feast and Pentecost, a joyful rhythm is used even in funerals, since the Church is rejoicing and celebrating these occasions.

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty