Prayer, Fasting and Worship
Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef
275 questions in 81 topics
Topics
Divine Liturgy 37Fasting 25Prayer 23Rituals 13Agpeya 10Coptic Language 10Holy Great Fast 8Hymns 8Fasts 7Icons 7Prostration 7Calendar 5Synaxarium 5Feasts 4Incense 4Readings 4Songs of Worship 4Veil 4Consecration 3Deacons 3Easter 3Holy Pascha 3Midnight Praises 3Vestments 3Worship 3Bless the Lord 2Children's Worship 2Church Worship 2Deaconess 2Feast of Pentecost 2Forty Days Memorial 2Holy Fire in Jerusalem 2Jonah's Fast 2Kiss of Peace 2Music in Worship 2Offerings 2Praises 2Shroud of Turin 2Apostles Fast 1Ash Wednesday 1Bathing Prayer 1Burial of the Dead 1Candles 1Carved Images 1Choir 1Christmas (Nativity) Fast 1Church Readings 1Divine Liturgy 1Divine Liturgy Book 1Epiphany 1Flower of Incense 1Funeral Rituals 1Ghalilaon 1Hesychasm 1His Prayer 1Holy Kiss 1Holy Pascha 1Honey 1Kissing of Hands 1Language of Prayers 1Leap Year 1Litany of the Fathers 1Matins 1Meditation 1O' Beloved 1Paramoun Rites 1Prayer at Gethsamane 1Prayer Book 1Prayer for Healing 1Prayer for the Sick 1Prayer of Manasseh 1Preparation Week 1Processions 1Sham El Nessim 1Stigmata 1Thanksgiving Prayer 1Third Day Memorial 1Thomas Sunday 1Ululation 1Vegetarian Practices 1Wednesday 1
All questions in this theme
- AgpeyaIn the Agpeya, Holy Book of Psalms 51, verse 4: " …when You are judged ." Who is judging whom? I believe this should be corrected to "…when You judge." Why don't we use…
- AgpeyaWhy must we use the Agpeya in prayer? Can a person just use their own words if they feel that it helps them get closer to God, or would this be disobeying the Church?…
- AgpeyaWhat does "troporia" mean?
- AgpeyaCould Your Grace please explain how to pray the Agpeya?
- AgpeyaAt Abu Makar Monastery, the third and sixth hour sections dedicated to St. Mary are not prayed under the assumption that these are not found in the early manuscripts of…
- AgpeyaWhat is the significance of praying with the Agpeya? How does it compare to American Christian Denominations way of praying?
- AgpeyaDo you know who is/are the author/s of the Agpeya? When and how was it written?
- AgpeyaIn the third hour of the Agpeya litanies, we pray "O Mother of God, you are the true vine who bore the Cluster of Life...” In Arabic I think it says "karma" which I…
- AgpeyaWhen are we not supposed to read from the Agpeya and perform prostrations? Why do we not do them at these times?
- AgpeyaI understand your explanation about the Agpeya, who the author is, and when it was written. It was during the time of St. Pachomius. The Church fathers met together to…
- Ash WednesdayWhy doesn’t the Coptic Church practice Ash Wednesday? Also, is it wrong to go to another church and have ashes put on my head?
- Bathing PrayerI have several questions regarding the "Tesht Prayer" (bathing prayer?). From my understanding, it is a prayer on the seventh/eighth day of the child’s birth and our…
- Bless the Lord"When we say we bless God, or we glorify God", are we really stating that we want to mirror God's blessing, or amplify the glory He shows us? How can we bless or glorify…
- Bless the LordIf God is so blessed, how can we bless Him? We say frequently "Bless the Lord...." That does not seem possible.
- Burial of the DeadSt. Anthony had a different opinion regarding the burial of the saints and martyrs compared to what our church does i.e. putting their wrapped bodies in glass cases…
- CalendarWas Jesus really born in 4 B.C.? What does it mean by A.D. (is it after Christ?)
- CalendarWhy do Copts celebrate Christmas and Easter on different days than other Christians?
- CalendarRegarding the Coptic Calendar, why does the Coptic Church keep a calendar that seems to promote false gods? Is this to simply be part of one's past history as an…
- CalendarBecause the Coptic Church uses the Julian Calendar, is this why the feast of the Nativity is celebrated on Jan 7th? Is this because it is the original calendar, which was…
- CalendarWhy does the Orthodox Church still follow the Julian calendar today? I was reading a few articles online and it said the Gregorian calendar is a more accurate version of…
- CandlesWhy do we light candles before the icons of the saints but not before a big icon of Our Lord Jesus?
- Carved ImagesHow far can we apply the Second Commandment (no graven images)? In other words, can we purchase statues of non religious things for our homes, or is this commandment…
- Children's WorshipSome children seem to be bored at church during the Divine Liturgy. Are they so because they are being prematurely overcharged spiritually (which according to some…
- Children's WorshipThe life stories of most of the saints depict them as having a strong inclination towards God early in their childhood. For example, Pope KyrillosVI, St. Demiana, to name…
- ChoirI was chosen to be the Choir director in my church; I need an advice regarding this service.
- Christmas (Nativity) FastI have found reference to a Christmas Fast of 43 days, presumably ending on (or before) Christmas? Is that right?
- Church ReadingsUsually the Holy Gospel of St. John 10:1-16 is read whenever we celebrate a Pope. On th commemoration day of Pope Theophilus the 23rd, on the 18th of Paopeyet, the Holy…
- Church WorshipWhy are men and women seated separately in the Coptic Church? Is this a "church" tradition; or is there a theological justification for this practice?
- Church WorshipWhy is it that during Church services, men are usually seated on the left and women on the right? Is separation of genders encouraged? If so, then why? Also, what is the…
- ConsecrationI am an Italian extremely interested in Orthodox theology. As far as I know, Latin Catholicism and Byzantine Orthodoxy do not consider it a sin for a layman to use what…
- ConsecrationThere was a young man who was interested in me recently. I felt strongly that the Lord did not wanting us to continue on the path to marriage. My family felt the same. As…
- ConsecrationHow often does the consecration of the church happen with the Holy Myron?
- Coptic LanguageWhy do we need the Coptic language in our church services?
- Coptic LanguageHow was the Coptic language influenced by the Greek language?
- Coptic LanguageI really enjoy our church Coptic hymns. However, many people, including myself, have a very hard time understanding the language. Why doesn't the church sing all the…
- Coptic LanguageWhy is the Coptic Language so important? (Nobody can understand it. To me, it's just another foreign language, like Chinese). Why can't the church just do all the hymns…
- Coptic LanguageI am torn by the lack of appreciation, and preservation of our Coptic Language and Heritage. I believe that the Coptic Heritage and Traditions are what make us COPTIC…
- Coptic LanguageI am concerned about the emphasis put on the Coptic language; and the assumption that one will get a better understanding of God's message if they know and understand…
- Coptic LanguageWhat does 'Coptic' exactly mean?
- Coptic LanguageI know that overstrokes are used to change Coptic alphabet characters to numbers (except for "So," or "6."), and that an overstroke can combine letters for an…
- Coptic LanguageIs it possible that the alternate spelling of the name of the alphabet character "dzaudzia," should actually be "dzandzia" ? Then, it would (almost) phonetically parallel…
- Coptic LanguageI have noticed a growing trend of deacons and priests using unconventional Coptic pronunciations in services, such as Old Bohairic. There are now Facebook sites promoting…
- DeaconessCan women hold or have ever held positions of authority such as deaconess or priest-ess in your church?
- DeaconessWhy can't girls become deacons like boys?
- DeaconsWhat is the best way to attract deacons to attending hymns classes? For the past year I have been trying to attract seven particular deacons to attend, but to no avail...…
- DeaconsCould you please tell me about deaconship? How is it different in our church from the Protestant and the Catholic Church?
- DeaconsWhat is the role of the rank of Deacon? Is this a full time position? Would they get paid a salary from the Church, similar to the priest (Abouna)? Are all deacons…
- Divine LiturgyCan you please explain why the congregation bows during the Divine Liturgy?
- Divine LiturgyDuring the procession, of both Matins and Vespers, should the deacon or deacons go around with both the cross and Holy Bible or just the cross? Also during the two…
- Divine LiturgyShould Ni Savev be said during all feasts or only in the presence of a bishop or patriarch? The same question with regards to Pi Ehmot Ghar.
- Divine LiturgyIn the Commemoration of the Saints in the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, it states that "...this is the command of Your Only-Begotten Son, that we share in the…
- Divine LiturgyI know in the Coptic Church, we say "Liturgy" instead of "Mass" Could you please explain the difference between the two?
- Divine LiturgyIn Divine Liturgy, particularly during the Raising of Incense, a deacon places the prospharin on the far eastern end of the altar. How many folds is the prospharin…
- Divine LiturgyWhat do the paten and chalice symbolize? Do they change meaning as the Divine Liturgy service progresses?
- Divine LiturgyWhy must the priest pray over the deacons' tunyas before they wear them?
- Divine LiturgyWhen exactly are the deacons in the altar to blow out their candles after the Procession of the Lamb? Is it right after the priest hands over the wine container (emptied…
- Divine LiturgyWhen are the deacons to blow out the candles after the second lighting, for the Institution Prayer? Is it after the Invocation of the Holy Spirit?
- Divine LiturgyWhy do people light the candles placed below the icons, at the back of the church?
- Divine LiturgyIs it significantly important to place an ostrich egg over the sanctuary door?
- Divine LiturgyDuring the Divine Liturgy service, is it true that the acolytes serving at the altar are at one point to use feather fans to fan the offering? If so, when and exactly how…
- Divine LiturgyCould you please answer my questions concerning the Holy Divine Liturgy? What is the significance of placing the golden censor (shoria) at the right far south end of the…
- Divine LiturgyWhy do the deacons place their tunics (tunyas) over their left arm?
- Divine LiturgyDuring the Procession of the Lamb, why does the deacon holding the water flask stand on the priest's left hand side (on the south end of the church)?
- Divine LiturgyWhy does the priest anoint the holy bread with water during the procession of the Lamb?
- Divine LiturgyShould the church congregation bow down fully (prostrate) or just bend their heads after the fraction when the deacon says, "Bow your HEADS to the Lord"?
- Divine LiturgyWhat is the significance of stepping into the sanctuary right foot first and exiting backwards left foot first?
- Divine LiturgyWhat exactly is the significance of the deacon's standing before the altar holding a lit candle during Holy Communion?
- Divine LiturgyAre deacons permitted to touch the bottom of the golden censor with their hands, or should they use a cloth to hold it up? Why?
- Divine LiturgyAre the deacons serving at the altar to light the candles at the start of the Introduction to the Fraction or at the start of the actual Fraction? Why?
- Divine LiturgyWhat is the significance of the priest sprinkling water over the congregation at the end of the liturgy service?
- Divine LiturgyAre languages other than Coptic acceptable before God for praying Liturgy?
- Divine LiturgyRegarding the Holy Divine Liturgy service, I have read in a Coptic Orthodox text that during any incense circuit around the altar, whether it be at Vespers, Matins, or…
- Divine LiturgyWhy does every liturgy have a reading from the Book of Acts?
- Divine LiturgyWhy do we sometimes stand during the Divine Liturgy and other times sit down?
- Divine LiturgyIn the Divine Liturgy, before the Institution Narrative, the priest says: "whereby we were bound and sold on account of our sins, He descended into Hades through the…
- Divine LiturgyWhy do we not mention the names of the Armenian & Indian Popes in the Fathers' Litany in the Divine Liturgy?
- Divine LiturgyWhat is meant by, "a mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise"?
- Divine LiturgyIn the "Amen, Amen, Amen" response in the Divine Liturgy, we say: "We praise You, we bless You..." What does it mean when we say, "we bless" our Lord, God, and Savior…
- Divine LiturgyIn your opinion, what is the most significant/most symbolic part of the Holy Liturgy?
- Divine LiturgyDuring Liturgy, the Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch and Eretria are prayed for but not those of Armenia and Ethiopia—how come?
- Divine LiturgyWhen was the commemoration of saints added to the Divine Liturgy, and who added this to our liturgical services?
- Divine LiturgyWhy is the Liturgy of St. Cyril "backwards," meaning that the prayers of the St. Basil's Liturgy are in the beginning, but in the Liturgy of St. Cyril, they are toward…
- Divine LiturgyWe have 14 liturgies in the Eritrean Church, but the Coptic Church has only 3. Why is that? Are we not we supposed to have the same since we are the same?
- Divine LiturgyWhat is your opinion on the idea of having a separate “Children’s Liturgy” for young kids to attend a Liturgy accessible to their age? I am concerned that this seemingly…
- Divine Liturgy BookMy question is regarding the awesome Euchologion book put out by the Southern Diocese. I was wondering why, if the Trisagion is a Christological hymn in our church, why…
- EasterWhere did the term "Easter" come from, and what does it mean? Does the name ‘Easter Bunny' originate from it?
- EasterDo you happen to know when our 'Feast of the Resurrection' was called 'Easter' and how it came to be? I was told that Easter was a pagan feast. Is this true?
- EasterWhy do we have a Liturgy early Saturday morning on Bright Saturday (just before Easter) if Jesus did not resurrect before Sunday morning? (If Jesus is still in the tomb,…
- EpiphanyWhy do we eat tangerines and sugar cane on the feast of the Epiphany?
- Epiphany: Paramoun RitesWhy do we celebrate the Epiphany Paramoun before the feast and what does it mean?
- FastingYour Grace had mentioned in your series of lectures about the Divine Liturgy that fasting is divided into first and second degrees. The first-degree fasting are: the Holy…
- FastingIs it dangerous to health to be on a continuous vegetarian diet with the aim of getting closer to God?
- FastingWhy is fasting with strict abstinence not allowed on Saturdays and Sundays?
- FastingWhen did the disciples fast immediately after Ascension and Pentecost?
- FastingIs it wrong to break fast at midnight after Wednesday and Fridays' Fast?
- FastingI pray, read the Agpeya and the Holy Bible. However, there are many things I don’t know but would like to learn about. When I asked many elderly people, all they did was…
- FastingIs it sinful for a man to sleep with his wife while fasting?
- FastingWhat should I focus on this year to benefit the most from the Holy Great Fast?
- FastingI want to fast but I think that fifty-five days of fasting are too long. What is your advice?
- FastingNotwithstanding the two different theories and beliefs concerning the first week, so called "Preparation Week" in the Holy Great Fast, I do not see any reason for adding…
- FastingWhy is eating seafood allowed during the Nativity Fast but not during the Holy Great Fast? Also, why do we fast extra fifteen days before the Resurrection Feast?
- FastingNon Copts often ask why is it that during some fasts, the church allows eating fish. Also, why has the church started this practice which did not exist before?
- FastingI have a serious illness that causes me to be tired. I am also taking strong medication which makes me even more tired. I am scared of becoming Orthodox and fasting…
- FastingIs it accepted by the church that we break our fast at midnight after any fast of the church? If not, then when can do so?
- FastingWhat is fasting in the Coptic Orthodox religion and why do we fast?
- FastingWith respect, may I ask—so many questions about fasting? There are so many fasts, how can one understand them all? 1. How does one begin? 2. How long does one fast—days,…
- FastingIf one has no real sense on how to start to fast in such a way that is not law, but spirit, how should I best begin?
- FastingIn the Old Testament, Moses fasted without food or water for 40 days several times. How is this possible? If we fast for even 3 days without water or food, we'll probably…
- FastingIf we are fasting and abstaining from food at a certain period of time, do we fast on Sundays if we did not go to Liturgy?
- FastingIf fasting is not permitted during the Holy 50 days, can an ordained Priest or Bishop start fasting effective the day after Pentecost? If so, does that cancel out the…
- FastingI might be wrong but I think we are taught that fasting is not permitted between Easter and Pentecost; but what happens if an ordination takes place during that time? For…
- FastingI want to fast; but when I fast, pride builds up in me. I now have two choices; either I do not fast and become unable to receive the sacraments, or I fast and fall into…
- FastingWhere in the Bible specifically does it say that it is a requirement for us to fast? Jesus did not require fasting as a part of Christianity: "They [Pharisees] said to…
- FastingMy son is in his early 20s and is asking what is the definition of fasting? Why does it have to be from food? Why can we not glorify God through hard exercise, like…
- FastingIs it wrong to eat at a buffet during a fast if I am only eating fasting food?
- FastsHow long are the Apostles’ Fast, the Holy Great Fast, and Jonah's Fast (in days)?
- FastsIs sexual relation between husband and wife permitted at all during the fast?
- FastsIs honey allowed during the fast?
- FastsDuring the Fast of Jonah or Nineveh, is there a response recited at communion time with the Holy Book of Psalm 150? Some people say Jonah in the belly of the whale as a…
- FastsOn what basis and sources of information does our Church build her decisions concerning what types of food to abstain from during our fasts?
- FastsHow many times do we fast per year (excluding Wednesdays and Fridays)?
- FastsFor what purpose is the Apostles’ Fast or what does signify?
- Fasts: Apostles FastWas the fast of the apostles established by our Lord Jesus Christ in advance and conditioned to be after His ascension?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastWhat is the reason for fasting an extra week at the beginning of the Holy Great Fast?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastWhat is the correct Rite for the Divine Liturgy of the Sunday proceeding the first Sunday of the Holy Great Fast?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastWhat are the rites for the Friday concluding the Holy Great Fast?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastQuestion about rites during the Great Fast: Is Tasbeha or Midnight Psalmody prayed throughout the week? Also can you pray Vespers on Sunday night since the Divine Liturgy…
- Fasts: Holy Great FastIs the melody for Adam Theotokia during the Holy Great Fast the same as the annual? Is there any special rite or the regular order for Midnight Praises?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastThis year, our school has placed our final exam schedule beginning on Easter Monday. This means Passion Week is going to be filled with a lot of studying to prepare for…
- Fasts: Holy Great FastWhy does the Greek Orthodox Church allow shellfish during Holy Great Fast, but not fish?
- Fasts: Holy Great FastWhy do Copts not eat shellfish during Holy Great Fast?
- FeastsWhen did the first church including St. Mary and the Apostles depart from the old Jewish rituals?
- FeastsWhy do our Nativity and Resurrection Liturgies take place at night rather than in the morning?
- FeastsHow does the Coptic Church differ from the Catholic and the protestant churches in her fasting and celebration of Christmas and Easter?
- FeastsI could not find the Glorious Feast of the Ascension nor Covenant Thursday listed in the Synaxarium. Is there a reason for this?
- Feasts: Feast of PentecostOn the Feast of the Pentecost is there a procession for the Lamb or do we just pray the 6th hour psalms because we're going to pray the 3rd hour during the Liturgy. If…
- Feasts: Feast of PentecostIf there were 120 persons present during Pentecost, how many of them actually received the Holy Spirit, all 120? Or was it just the twelve apostles and the Virgin Mary?…
- Flower of IncenseWith regard to the second part of the Sunday Theotokia, some Churches omit everything that comes after "Lord now you are letting your servant depart in peace..." arguing…
- Forty Days MemorialWhat is the significance of the forty days following the death of an individual?
- Forty Days MemorialWhat does the 40th day after a person's death represent? Why is it so special? When I asked, I was told that the 40th has no significance, it's just a tradition.
- Funeral RitualsWhat are the rituals at a pope's funeral? Why are no funerals conducted during the Holy Week?
- GhalilaonWhat is the use and the meaning of the Ghalilaon Oil in the church?
- HesychasmWhat do you think of hesychasm? Is the constant repetition of the Jesus prayer until your heart actually says the words necessary? Do you think that this prayer is…
- Holy Fire in JerusalemHow does the Holy Fire in Jerusalem take place? Who goes into the inner chamber? Is it one Patriarch or more?
- Holy Fire in JerusalemCan you speak to the validity of the Holy Fire at the church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem? What do we as Coptic Orthodox Christians think about this annual…
- Holy KissIs the kiss of peace not to be exchanged between opposite sexes; and also not between priests and laymen from either sex? Is that to be attributed to rank, gender or…
- Holy PaschaDuring the Ninth Hour's Daytime Litanies of Great Friday's Holy Pascha, why are the first twelve "Lord have mercy" said without the verses?
- Holy PaschaIn the Holy Pascha book, page 106, there is a mismatch concerning the Psalm preceding the Holy Gospel. In English, the reading is from Psalm 62:6,7; while in Arabic it is…
- Holy PaschaMy question concerns the expositions in the Pascha. The Pascha is beautiful, but some of the expositions make me very uncomfortable. I have many Jewish friends, including…
- Holy Pascha: WednesdayMy Church, here in the US, has given me the responsibility to give a sermon on Holy Wednesday of the Pascha week. I have been reading and became impressed by the…
- HoneyThe word "honey" has occurred so often in scripture. For example: " How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! " (Psalm 119:103). " Eat honey,…
- HymnsWho is "Theodosios" mentioned in the chant "oo-ran en-shoo-shoo"?
- HymnsWould you allow a Deacon's Coptic hymnology Competition to take place in your Diocese? I understand that we do not learn hymns to show off. However, don't you think that…
- HymnsWhat is the purpose of "hymns and spiritual songs"? Why is it an important part of our spiritual life?
- HymnsI have two questions: There is a lot of controversy concerning the hymn "O Kyrios" regarding the words and their spiritual and dogmatic significance. Could you please…
- HymnsWhat makes Coptic hymns with the use of the triangle and cymbals unique compared to other Christian hymns?
- HymnsIs the hymn, "Night of the Last Supper" or "layl el 3asha el serry" acceptable to be sung during the distribution of the Eucharist in the annual season of the Church?…
- HymnsWhy do we sing the hymn "Niethnos teero" during the reception of priests?
- HymnsWhat do the words of the hymn "Nicavev" in the presence of a bishop or pope signify?
- IconsWhy are crosses and images used for worship in our church when Holy Book of Exodus 20:4, Holy Book of Leviticus 26:1, Holy Book of 2 Corinthians 6:16, and Holy Book of 1…
- IconsWhat is the significance of the many icons of saints used by the Coptic Orthodox Church?
- IconsWhy is Jesus' shoe falling off in his picture with Saint Mary?
- IconsWhy does Saint Macarius’ icon have him portrayed with the palms of both his hands forward?
- IconsI know that icons are a hallmark of Orthodoxy. My question is how do we venerate icons? Is kissing the icon a necessary part of veneration or is it a customary thing? The…
- IconsI have seen Coptic icons of two dog-headed saints by the names of Ahraqas and Awghani, but I never hear about the Church recognizing them or referring to dog-headed…
- IconsDoes the Coptic Orthodox Church have an icon depicting the Holy Trinity?
- IncenseWhy do we pray for the reposed using incense that the deacons pass around on Good Friday?
- IncenseIn the Pauline Incense procession during the Divine Liturgy, is there a specific reason why the deacon carries the cross as he goes around the altar with the priest?
- IncenseWhat do the five spoonfuls of incense the priest places in the censer represent?
- IncenseWhy does the priest "wash" his hands with the incense three times then takes the smoke and touches the paten and the chalice three times as well?
- Incense: Holy PaschaI had wanted to know why incense is not used during the first three days of Pascha. Particularly when incense is usually associated with the raising of one's prayers. I…
- Jonah's FastIs Jonah's Fast the same as the Fast of Nineveh?
- Jonah's FastHow many days exactly did the people of Nineveh fast? Is this fast the same as Jonah’s fast?
- Kiss of PeaceWhen should we start to greet one another, after Good Friday or Resurrection Liturgy?
- Kiss of PeaceWhat is the significance of the 'Holy Kiss' during the liturgy?
- Kissing of HandsWhy do we kiss a priest's hand?
- Language of PrayersI am interested to know the Holy Synod's view on the use of Coptic traditional hymns during the church services.
- Leap YearWhy did we celebrate the Nativity Feast this year [2020] for 2 days, January 7th & 8th?
- Litany of the FathersIn the Divine Liturgy book on p.169 after the prayer for the Fathers it reads "And those who rightly DIVIDE the word of truth with him..." is this correct? Can you please…
- MatinsIn Matins, during the prayer for the oblations, should the oblations be put on the altar? If yes, why? And if not where should they be kept?
- MeditationWhat are your thoughts on meditation? More specifically, is it possible to use it as a tool to strengthen my relationship with Christ? Over the past few months I have…
- Midnight PraisesIn the Midnight Praises we say "and also Your poor servant Sarkis, make him without condemnation, that we may join all those and say praise Him and exalt Him above all."…
- Midnight PraisesWho is Sarkis that is mentioned in the last verse of Aripsalin? Is it necessary to include this verse in the hymn?
- Midnight PraisesIn the eighth part of the Theotokia we say the following: "Hail to you Mary, the salvation of our father Adam, etc." Again, I understand what the church is trying to say,…
- Music in WorshipWill the Coptic Church in America, during its services, ever endorse the use of Western musical instruments such as the piano or acoustic guitar instead of cymbals and…
- Music in WorshipI saw this video of the “Cave Church” in Egypt, with many Coptic Christians singing worship songs. I was wondering what it was. I would not think that those instruments,…
- Nativity: Divine LiturgyWhy must the Nativity Feast Liturgy finish after midnight (12 a. m.)?
- O' BelovedWhy has the Holy Synod banned the hymn "O' Beloved" from being sung on Good Friday? Have they given us a substitution for those who speak only English and can't enjoy the…
- OfferingsWhy did God accept Abel’s offering and not Cain’s?
- OfferingsIs it correct that God only accepts blood offering (like animals or birds) and not fruits or crops?
- Our Lord Jesus Christ: His PrayerWhat is the "the prayer of Jesus"?
- PraisesWhy is it that in the third canticle, we say things such as bless the Lord O sun, moon, clouds, snow, heat etc. How can non living things bless the Lord?
- PraisesIn the fourth quarter of the “Doxology of All the Heavenly Beings,” the word first-born refers to whom? Jesus Christ, the saints, or us? The confusion comes from the fact…
- PrayerHow does one prevail with God in prayer?
- Prayer"When you pray not to be repetitious in request, for God knows of your needs." So does that mean we don't really have to ask?
- PrayerIt has now been a year since I have prayed or read the Holy Bible. It could be out of laziness, lack of desire or both. What can I do to overcome this difficulty?
- PrayerMy problem is lack of concentration during prayers. I just want to finish quickly and think about what to do next. What is the remedy, if there is any?
- PrayerI understand we should persevere and always pray. But what do I do when prayer has just become words again? A monologue I'm reciting to relieve my conscience. I call "Our…
- PrayerAfter a strong relationship with God, I have lost my spiritual zeal and my prayer life has grown cold. Whose fault is it?
- PrayerIs there a successful way/practice while praying to totally keep me focused on God Himself without my mind wondering in other directions or simply falling asleep?
- PrayerIs it appropriate to ask God to make someone like you back?
- Prayer" Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard…
- PrayerWhy do we pray?
- Prayer" Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are…
- PrayerWill God ignore our prayers when we doubt?
- PrayerI would like to know, if Jesus taught us to address the Father in our prayers (i.e. the Lord's prayer, see Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 6:9-13) why do we also address the…
- PrayerI often neglect to pray, usually because I am too tired, busy, or just lazy. When I do stand up to pray, I often find myself unable to continue for very long. I really…
- PrayerI have been praying earnestly to God to interfere in a problem. It has been close to 2 years and the problem is getting more complicated. I pray to God to open my heart,…
- PrayerWhen we pray, is it appropriate that we ask for temporal, material things for ourselves and others? Considering our lethargic spiritual state, should we not instead be…
- Prayer" If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin, which does not lead to death, he will ask , and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is…
- PrayerI was a reading a book by H.G Bishop Mettaous that had a chapter for the conditions of accepted prayer, but I don't remember the title of the book. The conditions were…
- PrayerIs it wrong to have a personal agenda for prayer? How does one balance moving beyond guilt because of the freedom of God's forgiveness when past sins have brought on…
- PrayerWhat prayer does is change us to conform to God's will. The conclusion was that God out of His loving kindness allows us to participate in His will when we pray.…
- PrayerWhy then are we asked to pray for one another? Who benefits?
- PrayerHow can we explain "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16)? I find it rather selfish if the beneficiary of these prayers is the…
- PrayerAm I walking on a fine line between the existence of my free will and the omniscient sovereignty of God?
- Prayer at Gethsamane" He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You…
- Prayer for HealingI have prayed and acted in advance on a pledge to St. Demiana to heal one of my Sunday School students. She was alright for a month, but then her headaches returned. Why…
- Prayer for the SickMy mother is very sick with cancer and she needs a miracle to survive. I believe that God's will is perfect and I am relying on it, but I know he also asked us to pray to…
- Prayer of ManassehIs the Prayer of Manesseh canonical or not?
- Prayer: Prayer BookI was curious if one might be able to use the Old Orthodox Prayer Book in their personal practice/worship, or if the Coptic Orthodox Church has a similar text for…
- Preparation WeekI was so disturbed to learn that the so called "Preparation Week" is actually "Heraclius's Week" and is based on a promise the Christians of the Holy Land made to…
- ProcessionsCould you explain the meaning behind the differences in the various rituals of the processions after the Ascension?
- ProstrationDoes the Coptic Prayer Book of the Hours involve body movements like the Byzantine?
- ProstrationCould Your Grace please explain the prayer of Prostration (SAGDA) on the Day of Pentecost? Although the descent of the HOLY SPIRIT was at the third hour (9 AM), the…
- ProstrationWhy can't one do prostrations during Saturday's Liturgy? What rule would one be breaking? If one feels a desire to humble oneself before God, what would prevent one from…
- ProstrationWhat is the proper way of doing metonia and why do we do it before a bishop?
- ProstrationWhy or what is the connection between worshiping prostrations (Metanias) & fasting (not Holy Great Fast)?
- ProstrationWhen are we not supposed to read from the Agpeya and perform prostrations? Why do we not do them at these times?
- ProstrationIs it a sin to prostrate during the holy fifty days? I know it is forbidden, but will a person go to hell for prostrating? Does a person need to confess this or not?
- ReadingsWhat is the rite of the readings on the 29th of each Coptic month?
- ReadingsBesides spiritual readings, is it wrong to read other books such as murder mysteries (fiction), classic romance, fantasy books (Harry Potter) for school purposes and…
- ReadingsThe 9th hour Gospel Pascha Wednesday addresses two incidents, that of the woman who poured the costly fragrant oil on Jesus' head, and Judas' conspiring against Jesus. I…
- ReadingsWhat is your opinion on devotionals such as "God Calling", "Jesus Calling", etc.? Can we read these in addition to our Bible and spiritual books readings?
- RitualsWhy are the altar curtains in the church "white" instead of "red" during the 50 days following the Holy Resurrection?
- RitualsThis year, the beginning of the Fast (Feb. 16) coincides with one of the minor Master's Feast (Presentation of the Lord to the Temple). Normally, for the fast,we pray the…
- RitualsDuring the Divine Liturgy, how many times does the priest cense before the Pope, Bishop and Priest?
- RitualsAt the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, why does the priest put the cross at an angle on the top of the chosen bread (Korbana) while he goes around the altar?
- RitualsOn the Feast of Theophany, during the sanctification of the water and the washing with the water, do we sing "Praise God" in the joyful tune or the annual tune? The book…
- RitualsAll the Divine Liturgy books mention that "Pe Oik" is a hymn during communion for the weekdays' liturgies, while "Je efzmaro-out" is used on Sundays. What is the reason…
- RitualsDo we chant "Je efzmaro-out" only on feasts and fasts? Or we have the choice to chant it if we are not going to chant "Pi Oik"?
- RitualsI have a question regarding when the "allelouia ente ti eprosfora" is said. Is there any other day, apart from the feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ and the regular…
- RitualsAt the end of the Divine Liturgy, the priest goes around the altar kissing its four corners and clapping his hand. What is the symbolic meaning of his action?
- RitualsdDuring the Holy Thursday Liturgy, we skip the commemoration of saints because we are supposed to be focused on Christ, correct? Why then do we say "hail to the saints"…
- RitualsDoes the papal seat within each respective church need to be located in a specific spot or direction or can/should it be placed within the altar to allow His Holiness to…
- RitualsDuring the period between the Ascension Feast and the Pentecost Feast, is there a procession done every day in the sanctuary only or is it only the Sunday between the…
- RitualsWhich of the following are/are not practices of the Oriental Orthodox Churches: -Eating the agape meal -Transubstantiation -Praying directly to deceased Christians…
- Sham El NessimWhat is the significance of Sham El Nessim? Why is salted fish eaten this day?
- Shroud of TurinWhat is the church's official stance on the Shroud of Turin? Do we believe it is the actual linen Jesus' body was wrapped in?
- Shroud of TurinDoes Your Grace have a comment on the shroud of Turin?
- Songs of WorshipDuring the "Are you drifting?"lecture, you mentioned the remedies against drifting and you said to "expect to go against the tide," which included liberalism in the…
- Songs of WorshipWhat does Your Grace think about singing spiritual songs during communion? Do we have to stick to our traditional hymns or is it ok to sing spiritual songs not related to…
- Songs of WorshipI was looking to prepare some spiritual songs for the children in Sunday school. I am having a hard time finding nice songs for children in English—something like the…
- Songs of WorshipI was looking to prepare some spiritual songs for the children in Sunday school. I am having a hard time finding nice songs for children in English—something like the…
- StigmataWhat is the church's view concerning stigmata?
- SynaxariumPlease tell us when did the church start the practice of reading the Synaxarium and who collected the information of the Synaxarium and how many updates took place till…
- SynaxariumI noticed on one Sunday that the Synaxarium of 30th of Mesore says Malachi "prophesied about the return of the people from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem." I believe…
- SynaxariumI was reading and reflecting on the Synaxarium for Paope 27 concerning the martyrdom of St. Macarius Bishop of Edkow and noticed that the reading specifically states that…
- SynaxariumWhen will modern saints such as St. Archdeacon Habib Girgis and the Twenty-One Martyrs of Libya be officially added to the Synaxarium?
- SynaxariumWhy are some saints not mentioned in the Synaxarium?
- Thanksgiving PrayerFrom where has the prayer of Thanksgiving originated? How long has the church been using it?
- Third Day MemorialWhy do people recognize the 3rd day after a memorial?
- Thomas SundayIn Matthew 28:16-20, it states " Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped…
- UlulationPeople often do zhagroota [ululation] at baptisms, weddings, deacon ordinations, and other joyous occasions at church. My questions are: 1.What is the proper outlook on…
- Vegetarian PracticesI was having a friendly conversation with a fellow co-worker who is a Seventh-Day Adventist. They practice their faith by being vegetarian. He pointed out in the Bible…
- VeilWhy do women wear veils over their heads during the Divine Liturgy?
- VeilWhat is the church's viewpoint regarding women covering their head during the Divine Liturgy? Should they do so while praying at home?
- VeilIs it right or wrong to wear a veil outside of church?
- VeilDuring church, why should women cover their heads?
- VestmentsShould a deacon enter the sanctuary when he is wearing his vestments only? Also during vesper raising of incense should a deacon be wearing his vestments?
- VestmentsWhy is the church so rigid about priests wearing tonia/galabaya? Why can't a priest wear a black pair of pants and a black shirt? This way, more people might feel…
- VestmentsWhy is it that our priests cannot wear clothes like the Catholic priests and other Eastern Orthodox priests, instead of wearing a black galabia? Why is it that the priest…
- WorshipHow can I help a friend who, although claims to be a believer, does not attend church, under the assumption that religion is a confinement and he wants to be free? He…
- WorshipWhy do we have to be at church early to have communion? Does the Holy Bible command this? Isn't it better to come late and really pray and meditate than to come early and…
- WorshipWhy do we say "from the Psalms of our father David the prophet and king..." if some of the psalms that we read in the Liturgy or in the Agpeya are not written by David? I…
Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.