Do we say, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever," in the Verses of Cymbals or Doxologies?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09
In the Coptic Orthodox liturgical tradition, the specific phrase "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (from Hebrews 13:8) is primarily associated with the Fraction prayers (ⲡⲓⲉⲣⲉⲙⲟϣ) and certain concluding instructions in the Divine Liturgy, rather than being a standard verse within the Verses of Cymbals (ⲛⲓϣⲉⲛⲟⲩϥⲓ) or the Doxologies (ⲛⲓⲇⲟⲝⲟⲗⲟⲅⲓⲁ).
Here is a breakdown of how this theological truth is structured in those specific parts of the service:
1. Verses of Cymbals (ⲛⲓϣⲉⲛⲟⲩϥⲓ)
The Verses of Cymbals focus on offering greetings and veneration to the Holy Trinity, the ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ (Mother of God), the Angels, the Apostles, and the Martyrs. The standard conclusion for the Verses of Cymbals is:
"Behold, Christ our God is in our midst today, with the glory of His Father and the Holy Spirit..." (ⲓⲥ ⲡⲉⲛⲛⲟⲩϯ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ...).
While this affirms His presence "today," it does not utilize the full "yesterday, today, and forever" formula found in the Pauline epistles.
2. Doxologies (ⲛⲓⲇⲟⲝⲟⲗⲟⲅⲓⲁ)
The Doxologies are thematic hymns of praise. While they emphasize the immutability and divinity of Christ—especially in the Doxology of the Second Feast of the Cross or the Doxology for the Heavenly Hosts—the specific scriptural quote from Hebrews 13:8 is not a standard refrain in these hymns.
Where is it actually said?
The phrase is most prominent during the Fraction (the breaking of the Holy Body). In the "Fraction of the Great Lent," for example, we acknowledge the unchanging nature of Christ’s divinity:
"He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; one essence with the Father."
Summary of the Coptic Perspective
As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we believe in the absolute immutability of the Word of God who became flesh. While we don't traditionally chant this specific verse in the Verses of Cymbals, the concept of His eternal nature is the foundation of our entire ⲉⲩⲭⲁⲣⲓⲥⲧⲓⲁ (Eucharist). As noted in the writings of Church Fathers and our rites, the Anamnesis (remembrance) is not merely a historical recalling but a re-enacting of a "true sacrifice" that is effective across all time because Christ remains the same (Hebrews 13:8).
If you are looking for a specific hymn that mentions the eternity of the Son, you will find it in the Hymn of the Monogenes (ⲟ ⲙⲟⲛⲟⲅⲉⲛⲏⲥ), where we confess:
"O Only-begotten Son and Word of God, immortal and eternal..."