How can I learn the hymn Fai etaf enf?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09
The hymn ⲫⲁⲓ ⲉⲧⲁϥⲉⲛϥ (transliterated as Fai etaf enf) is a beautiful and deep theological hymn sung during the Distribution (Communion) of the Divine Liturgy. It is a native Coptic hymn (ⲙⲉⲧⲣⲛⲭⲏⲙⲓ) that focuses on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the mystery of the Eucharist.
Theological Meaning
The title and opening phrase, ⲫⲁⲓ ⲉⲧⲁϥⲉⲛϥ ⲉⲡϣⲱⲓ, translates to "This is He who offered Himself up."
From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, this hymn emphasizes that Christ is both the High Priest and the Sacrifice. As St. Cyril of Alexandria and the Coptic liturgy teach, He offered Himself as an acceptable incense and a sacrifice of sweet-smelling savor to His Father on our behalf for the remission of our sins.
Structure and Context
This hymn is typically sung in the Bohairic dialect, which is the liturgical standard of the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is part of the collection of hymns sung while the faithful are receiving the Holy Body and Precious Blood of our Lord.
The Text (Bohairic Coptic)
According to the liturgical tradition of the Church:
ⲫⲁⲓ ⲉⲧⲁϥⲉⲛϥ ⲉⲡϣⲱⲓ: ⲛⲟⲩⲑⲩⲥⲓⲁ ⲉϥⲧⲏⲡ: ϩⲓϫⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲥⲧⲁⲩⲣⲟⲥ: ⲉϧⲣⲏⲓ ⲉϫⲉⲛ ⲡⲉⲛⲟⲩϫⲁⲓ.
(Fai etaf-enf e-epshoi: en-ou-thysia ef-teep: hijen pi-stauros: ekhri ejen pen-oujai.)
English Translation:
"This is He who offered Himself up: an acceptable sacrifice: upon the Cross: for our salvation."
ⲁϥϣⲱⲡⲓ ⲛⲁⲛ ⲛⲟⲩⲥⲑⲟⲓⲛⲟⲩϥⲓ: ⲉⲛⲁⲛⲉϥ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲟⲩϣⲱϣⲉⲛ: ⲁϥⲱⲗⲓ ⲙⲡⲓⲛⲟⲩⲃⲓ: ⲙⲡⲓⲕⲟⲥⲙⲟⲥ ⲧⲏⲣϥ.
(Af-shopi nan en-ou-sthoinoufi: en-nanef nem ou-shoshen: af-oli empinovi: em-pi-kosmos teerf.)
English Translation:
"He became for us a sweetsmelling savor: and a flower: He took away the sin: of the whole world."
Learning the Melody
The melody of this hymn is solemn yet joyful, reflecting the victory of the Cross and the gift of the Eucharist. To learn the correct "hazzat" (melodic tones) and the authentic Coptic pronunciation, you should listen to the master cantors who have preserved our oral tradition.
I recommend starting with recordings by:
- Moalem Ibrahim Ayad
- Moalem Gad Lewis
- Moalem George Mikhail
- Moalem Mina Makar
These Moalemeen represent the authoritative standard of Coptic liturgical chanting. Focus on the distinction between the native Coptic words (like ⲡⲉⲛⲟⲩϫⲁⲓ - our salvation) and the Greek loanwords often used in our hymns (like ⲑⲩⲥⲓⲁ - sacrifice and ⲥⲧⲁⲩⲣⲟⲥ - cross).