What happens during the Raising of Incense in the Coptic Church?

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During the Raising of Incense—Vespers the night before the liturgy and Matins directly before it—incense accompanies praises, hymns, and thanksgiving prayers preparing for the liturgy. Prayers ask for the Lord’s blessings upon the sacramental service and, depending on the season and occasion, for the sick, travelers, and particular patrons of the church.

According to A-Practical-Guide-For-Becoming-Orthodox, the services of Vespers and Matins are both known as the "Raising of Incense." Vespers occurs the night preceding the liturgy, whereas Matins takes place directly before the liturgy and usually forms the first thirty minutes of the liturgical service. Rather than being a pagan ritual, the traditional use of incense is rooted directly in the Bible: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it, with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar, which is before the throne" (Revelations 8:3). The Raising of Incense functions as an introduction and preparation for the liturgy. It comprises praises and thanksgiving prayers asking for the Lord's blessings upon the sacramental service. Depending on the time of year and the occasion, specific prayers are made for the sick, the traveling, and particular patrons of the church. Faithful attendees who seek quiet and peace experience a full immersion in the mysteries and beauty of God. The liturgical structure and hymnography are preserved across various sections of the Coptic Hymns Lyrics Library. The rites include "The Verses of Cymbals" (أرباع الناقوس) and doxologies. For instance, services may feature "The First Doxology" (الذكصولوجية الأولى) beginning with and a "Matins Procession" (دورة باكر). Doxologies are chanted to intercessors, including "St. Mary Doxology (Vespers)", "St. Mary Doxology (Matins)", "The Heavenly Orders Doxology", and "Archangel Michael Doxology". Additionally, feast days incorporate chants such as , the "Gospel Response" (مرد الإنجيل) with , and the "Concluding Canon for Raising of Incense of Vespers and Matins" (قانون الختام لرفع بخور عشية وباكر). Sources: A-Practical-Guide-For-Becoming-Orthodox; Coptic Hymns Lyrics Library: Feasts - أعياد Major Feasts of The Lord - الأعياد السيدية الكبار Hosanna Sunday Raising Incense of Matins & Vespers (رفع بخور عشية وباكر); Coptic Hymns Lyrics Library: Feasts - أعياد Major Feasts of The Lord - الأعياد السيدية الكبار Nativity Matins; Coptic Hymns Lyrics Library: Annual Days - سنوي 1. Vespers & Matins Raising of Incense - رفع بخور عشية وباكر 3. Doxologies 2. Intercessors

What happens during the Raising of Incense in the Coptic Church?

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