What is the structure of the liturgy?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

The structure of the Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy (ⲑⲩⲥⲓⲁ - Thysia) is a journey that moves from the world into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a strictly organized rite that has been preserved since the early centuries of the Church, particularly through the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, which is the most commonly prayed in the Coptic Church.

The Liturgy is divided into three primary stages: The Service of Preparation, The Liturgy of the Catechumens (Liturgy of the Word), and The Liturgy of the Faithful (Anaphora).

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I. The Service of Preparation

Before the public Liturgy begins, the priest and the deacons prepare the "Lamb" and themselves.

1. The Offertory (ⲡⲓⲡⲣⲟⲥⲫⲉⲣⲓⲛ):

• The priest chooses one loaf of bread called the Qurban (ⲡⲓⲕⲟⲩⲣⲃⲁⲛ) to become "The Lamb" (ⲡⲓϩⲏⲃ). It must be perfect, without blemish.
• The Procession of the Lamb: The priest wraps the Lamb in a veil and processes around the Altar, symbolizing Christ's presentation to the world.
• The Thanksgiving Prayer: The priest begins by thanking God for all things, in all things, and at all times.

II. The Liturgy of the Catechumens (Liturgy of the Word)

This section focuses on instruction through Holy Scripture and the teaching of the Church. It was historically the only part non-baptized "catechumens" could attend.

1. The Pauline Epistle (ⲡⲓⲡⲁⲩⲗⲟⲥ): A reading from one of the fourteen epistles of St. Paul.
2. The Catholic Epistle (ⲡⲓⲕⲁⲑⲟⲗⲓⲕⲟⲛ): A reading from the epistles of Sts. Peter, James, John, or Jude.
3. The Praxis (ⲡⲓⲡⲣⲁⲝⲓⲥ): A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
4. The Synaxarium (ⲥⲩⲛⲁⲝⲁⲣⲓⲟⲛ): The history of the saints or martyrs of the day.
5. The Trisagion (ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ): The "Thrice Holy" hymn chanted to Christ: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal..." (Ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ ⲟ̔ Ⲑⲉⲟⲥ...).
6. The Litany of the Gospel and the Holy Gospel (ⲡⲓⲉⲩⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗⲓⲟⲛ): The climax of this section, where the Word of God is proclaimed.
7. The Sermon: The priest or bishop explains the readings.

III. The Liturgy of the Faithful (The Anaphora)

This is the most sacred part of the service, where the Bread and Wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

1. The Three Great Litanies: Prayers for the Peace of the Church, the Fathers (Pope and Bishops), and the Assemblies (the congregation).
2. The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed: The declaration of the Orthodox faith.
3. The Prayer of Reconciliation (ⲡⲓⲉⲩⲭⲏ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ϯϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏ): The priest prays for the peace of the Church and the people, after which the "Kiss of Peace" (ⲁⲥⲡⲁⲥⲙⲟⲥ - aspasmos) is exchanged.
4. The Anaphora (The Elevation):

• The Preface: "The Lord be with you all..." This begins the dialogue of thanksgiving.
• The Sanctus: The congregation joins the Seraphim in singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ, Ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ, Ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ).

1. The Institution Narrative: The priest recounts the Last Supper, saying the words of Christ: "Take, eat, this is My Body..."
2. The Epiklesis (The Invocation): The most solemn moment when the priest petitions God the Father to send the Holy Spirit (ⲡⲓⲡⲛⲉⲩⲙⲁ ⲉⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ) to change the bread and wine into the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
3. The Seven Short Litanies: Prayers for the safety of the world, the fruits of the earth, the waters, etc.
4. The Commemoration of the Saints: We remember the Theotokos, the Apostles, and the Fathers (St. Cyril, St. Athanasius, etc.).
5. The Fraction (ⲫⲱϣ): The priest breaks the Bread into pieces while reciting a prayer suitable for the feast or season, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice.
6. The Confession: The priest raises the Lamb and declares that this is the true, life-giving Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
7. Holy Communion (ⲙⲉⲧⲁⲗⲏⲙⲯⲓⲥ): The clergy and the faithful receive the Holy Mysteries.
8. The Dismissal: The priest blesses the people with the "Water of the Blessing" and dismisses them in peace (Go in peace, the Lord be with you).

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Important Distinction

Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which may perform the Liturgy in a simplified or shortened manner, the Coptic Church maintains a very structured, melodic, and repetitive format to ensure the theology is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the believers.

The hymns of the Liturgy are led by the Moalemeen (Cantors). Notable current Moalemeen who preserve this structure through their mastery of the Coptic melodies include Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, Moalem Zaher Andrawes, Moalem George Mikhail, Moalem Mina Makar, and Moalem Milad Nady.

The Liturgy is not a performance but a collective prayer of the whole Body of Christ, aiming to unite the congregation as one body and one soul with the Savior.