Why does the number of loaves of bread in the offering have to be odd?

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

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the number of loaves of bread (known as the ⲁⲡⲁⲣⲭⲏ - Aparchi or "first fruits") presented to the priest for the selection of the ⲓⲥⲡⲟⲇⲓⲕⲟⲛ (the Lamb) is always an odd number, not an even number. Specifically, the number of loaves must be 3, 5, or 7.

The theological and symbolic reasons for choosing an odd number are as follows:

1. The Holy Trinity (3 Loaves)

When three loaves are offered, they represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This reminds the faithful that the sacrifice is offered to the Father by the Son through the work of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Five Sacrifices or Wounds (5 Loaves)

When five loaves are offered, they symbolize several things:

• The Five Sacrifices of the Old Testament: The burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. These were all shadows of the one true Sacrifice of Christ.
• The Five Wounds of Christ: These represent the wounds of the Lord on the Cross—two in His hands, two in His feet, and the one in His side from the spear.
• The Five Loaves: Recalling the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, as noted in the writings of Fr. Mikhail Mikhail, where Christ blessed the loaves to satisfy the multitude.

3. Perfection and the Seven Sacraments (7 Loaves)

When seven loaves are offered, they represent the number of perfection and the seven Sacraments of the Church. This also recalls the seven loaves used in the second miracle of feeding the multitude.

The Selection Process

The reason an even number is avoided is that the priest must select one loaf to be the "Lamb" (the Sacrifice), leaving an even number remaining.

As described by HG Bishop Mettaous, the priest carefully inspects each loaf to find the one without blemish, symbolizing the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:5). By starting with an odd number (e.g., 3, 5, or 7) and choosing one, the remaining loaves represent the "friends of the Bridegroom" or the disciples. If there were an even number (like 2 or 4) to start with, choosing one would leave an odd number, which does not fit the liturgical symbolism of the Church regarding the "selection" of the One from among many.

The bread itself is marked with the ⲥⲫⲣⲁⲅⲓⲥ (seal), which includes the ⲓⲥⲡⲟⲇⲓⲕⲟⲛ (the center square) and twelve crosses representing the twelve apostles who surround the Lord. The odd number ensures that when the "Lamb" is taken, the Bread of Life stands out as the unique choice made by the priest.