What is the Sanctus?

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

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Sanctus (a Latin word meaning "Holy") is the liturgical hymn of the Seraphim, also known as the Hymn of Victory. It is the point in the Divine Liturgy where the Church on earth joins with the heavenly hosts to praise God.

It is based on the vision of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:3) and the vision of St. John in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 4:8).

1. The Text of the Sanctus

In the Liturgy of St. Basil, the Sanctus is chanted by the congregation after the priest describes the ranks of angels, archangels, Cherubim, and Seraphim. The people respond:

"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Your holy glory."

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(Agios, Agios, Agios, Kyrios Sabaoth; pliris o ouranos ke i gi tis agias sou doxis.)

2. Theological Meaning

• The Thrice-Holy: We say "Holy" three times to acknowledge the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As taught by the Church Fathers (and noted in Source 4 regarding the archangels), this is a symbol of the Trinity.
• Lord of Hosts: The term "Sabaoth" means "Lord of Powers" or "Lord of the Heavenly Armies."
• The Union of Heaven and Earth: The Sanctus marks the moment in the Liturgy where the "veil" is thinned. We are no longer just a local congregation; we are partaking in the eternal worship occurring in the presence of the throne of God.

3. Variations in the Liturgies

• Liturgy of St. Basil: This is the most common version. The priest leads into it by describing the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim.
• Liturgy of St. Gregory: The priest emphasizes the "Theophanies" and the glory of the Son. The people respond with the same Sanctus, but the priest’s prayers before and after it are much longer and more detailed regarding the nature of God’s holiness.
• Liturgy of St. Cyril: The Sanctus here is particularly beautiful and often chanted in a more ancient, solemn melody.

4. Comparison with the "Trisagion"

The Sanctus should not be confused with the Trisagion (the "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal" prayer).

• The Trisagion is chanted before the Gospel and is addressed to Christ (in the Coptic rite).
• The Sanctus occurs within the Anaphora (the Liturgy of the Faithful) and is the angelic hymn of the Seraphim.

5. Liturgical Practice

When the congregation chants the Sanctus, it is traditional to make the Sign of the Cross at each "Holy." Cantors Moalem Ibrahim Ayad and Moalem George Mikhail emphasize the importance of the congregation's participation in this specific part, as it is the "shout of victory" that confirms our entry into the heavenly sanctuary.