Why does Abouna divide the Holy Body into two-thirds and one-third during the Divine Liturgy?

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

When the priest (ⲡⲓⲟⲩⲏⲃ) performs the fraction during the Divine Liturgy, the division of the Holy Body (ⲡⲓⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲉⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ) into two-thirds and one-third is deeply rooted in both theological symbolism and the practical preparation for Communion.

From the Coptic Orthodox perspective, this action is understood through several layers of meaning:

1. The Separation of the Soul from the Body

During the Fraction, the priest divides the Ouro (the central square portion containing the five wounds, also called the Isbodikon) from the rest of the Lamb. When he separates the portion containing the Isbodikon (the "one-third" side) and places it back in the middle of the paten, it symbolizes the moment of Christ’s death on the Cross, when His human Soul was separated from His human Body. However, we believe and confess that His Divinity never parted from His Soul or His Body for a single moment, not even a twinkling of an eye.

2. The Piercing of the Side

The division and the subsequent signing of the Body with the Precious Blood (ⲡⲓⲥⲛⲟϥ ⲉⲧⲧⲁⲓⲏⲟⲩⲧ) recall the soldier piercing the side of our Lord. St. John the Evangelist records that blood and water flowed out. By dividing the Body into these specific sections, the priest begins the "arrangement" of the Lamb on the paten (ⲡⲓⲇⲓⲥⲕⲟⲥ), representing the burial of Christ.

3. Order for Distribution

Logistically, this division facilitates the systematic breaking of the small portions for the congregation.

• The One-Third: Usually remains as a larger section (often containing the Isbodikon) that represents the Lord Himself, the Head of the Church.
• The Two-Thirds: Represents the members of the Church (the clergy and the laity).

As the priest breaks the Body into smaller pieces (ⲇⲓⲁⲙⲉⲗⲓⲥⲙⲟⲥ), he arranges them in a specific order on the paten to show that although we are many members, we are one body in Jesus Christ (ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ).

4. The Rejection of Heresy

This physical handling of the Bread is a testimony against those who view the Eucharist as merely symbolic (such as Protestants). We treat the Body with fear and trembling (ⲡⲓⲥⲧⲉⲣⲉⲱⲙⲁ) because we believe it is the True Body of the Son of God. Unlike the innovations seen in Western denominations or the misunderstandings of those who fell away after Chalcedon, our rite of Fraction preserves the ancient Alexandrian tradition of "breaking the bread" as the Apostles did.

In summary, the 2/3 and 1/3 division is the first step in the "death" and "burial" of the Lamb on the altar, leading to the Joy of the Resurrection, which we experience when we partake of the Life-Giving Mystery.