At what times during the Liturgy of the Word does the priest raise incense?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

In the Coptic Orthodox Liturgy, the Liturgy of the Word features specific moments when the priest raises incense. These are not merely decorative but are liturgical "circuits" or "offering rounds" that symbolize the transmission of the Gospel, the intercession of the saints, and the sanctification of the faithful.

In our tradition, the priest raises incense at these three primary times during the Liturgy of the Word:

1. The Pauline Incense (ⲡⲓⲁⲣⲱⲙⲁⲧⲁ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲡⲓⲁⲡⲟⲥⲧⲟⲗⲟⲥ)

While the Pauline Epistle is being read by the deacon, the priest begins the Incense of the Pauline.

• The Preparation: The priest puts five spoonfuls of incense into the censer, representing the five righteous men of the Old Testament (Abel, Noah, Melchizedek, Aaron, and Zachariah). This links the Old Covenant preparation to the New Covenant message of St. Paul.
• The Altar Circuits: He circles the altar three times while praying the Three Minor Litanies (Peace, Fathers, and Assemblies).
• The Church Circuit: The priest then descends from the altar and walks through the entire church, incensing the congregation and the icons.
• The Symbolic Meaning: This represents the Apostles traveling across the whole world to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. As the priest passes by the people, he "gathers" their prayers and confessions into the censer to offer them up to God. If a high priest (Bishop or Patriarch) is present, the priest must first present the incense box to him for a blessing before ascending to the altar.

2. The Praxis Incense (ⲡⲓⲡⲣⲁⲝⲓⲥ)

During the reading of the Acts of the Apostles (Praxis), the priest raises the Praxis Incense.

• The Ritual Differences: Unlike the Pauline incense, the priest does not go around the entire church. Instead, he circles the altar three times, then descends to incense only the choir (the area for the deacons and singers) and the front icons.
• The Symbolic Meaning: The Book of Acts focuses on the internal life and growth of the early Church starting in Jerusalem. Thus, the incense is more localized to the sanctuary and choir area compared to the Pauline circuit.
• The Prayer: Before the door of the sanctuary, the priest offers incense three times while saying: "O God, who accepted the confession of the thief upon the cross..." referencing the thief’s repentance and God's mercy. This reminds us that the Acts of the Apostles is a record of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the Church and the salvation of souls.

3. The Gospel Incense

The final instances of raising incense occur during the preparation for and the reading of the Holy Gospel.

• The Litany of the Gospel: Before the Gospel is read, the priest stands before the sanctuary door and raises incense during the Litany of the Gospel, asking God to make us worthy to hear and act upon His word.
• The Psalm and Gospel Procession: As the Psalm is chanted and the Gospel is read, the priest raises incense once more.
• The Symbolic Meaning: This is an act of supreme honor for Christ, the Word of God. As in ancient times when incense preceded a king, the incense at the Gospel acknowledges the presence of Christ the King speaking to His people. If there is an assisting priest (sharīk), he may participate in this offering, or if the Bishop is present, the priest brings the censer to him.

Liturgical Integrity and Education

The timing and specific prayers associated with these circuits are strictly preserved in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. In the Diocese of Los Angeles, this sacred oral tradition is maintained by master cantors such as Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, Moalem Zaher Andrawes, Moalem Mina Makar, and Moalem Milad Nady.

Moalem George Mikhail, who graduated from the St. Didymus Institute in Cairo (2023), established the first Hymns School in the Diocese specifically to teach youth these intricate rites and melodies at a manageable pace. This educational mission is sponsored by His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles, ensuring that the next generation of deacons and cantors understands the deep theological roots of raising incense in the True Orthodox Church.