Coptic Centre, UK


The Official Website of the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, United Kingdom Under the care of H.G. Bishop Angaelos

By Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malty

CALENDAR (COPTIC)	* It is the Pharaonic calender. The Copts started it on the year 284 A.D. On the memorial day where Diocletian sat on the throne of the Roman Empire. A great number of Copts were martyred in the period of his reign, that's why it was considered the starting point of the Coptic calendar. * The names of the Coptic months are: 1 - Tut. 2 - Babah. 3 - Hatur. 4 - Kiahk. 5 - Tubah. 6 - Amshir. 7 - Baramhat. 8 - Baramudah. 9 - Bashans. 10 - Baounah. 11 - Abib. 12 - Misrah. 13 - The small month or Nissieh.
CANDLE	* We lit candles at church, referring to the heavens that is enlightened with the Lord Jesus Christ. * We lit the candles on reading the Holy Bible because God's word is the world's light. * The candle lights to others, likewise ought the Christian, he has to serve others on the expense of himself.
CANDELABRUM	* It is placed inside the sanctuary or outside it, next to the Iconostasis. * See Altar Candlesticks.
CANON	* A Greek word meaning a straight rod or bar. In Christian language it was adopted to denote the following: 1. Canon of Scripture - the list of genuine and inspired books of the Bible. 2. The church canons, such as liturgical rules, especially that part of the Liturgy of Eucharist which includes the consecration, and rules concerning the life and discipline of the Church. * The Holy Bible gives us a way for salvation, whereas it gives the Church the right to nut canons to discipline worship and behavior . biblical spirit. * Church canons are issued either by menical or local councils. * Every church canon has to be issued in lical spirit and church concept.
CANONICAL	* According to the canon laws of the church; authoritative and official.
CANONICAL HOURS (AGBIA)	* The book of daily prayers according to certain hours. * It includes all the prayers, Psalms, Gospel readings, and petitions to be said at the various hours by day and night, appointed in accordance with analogous points in the life and Passion of Jesus Christ. * Canonical hours were appointed in conformity with Psalm 119: 164 "Seven times a day do I praise You because of Your righteous judgments," and in fulfillment of Christ's commandment that prayers be offered at all times and with unflagging energy (Luke 18:1). 1- Prime (Matins - morning prayer): we remember the Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection. 2- Tierce (9 A.M.): we remember when the Holy Spirit has came upon the believers. 3- Sixth (12 A.M.): we remember the Lord's Crucifixion. 4- Nones (3 P.M.): we remember the Lord's death. 5- Vesper: we remember the Lord's burial. 6- Compline (bedtime): we remember our departure from this world. 7- Midnight: we remember the Lord's last advent. 8- The Veil Prayer, concerning monks and nuns.
CAPE	The cape (Arabic, burnus) is a liturgical outer vestment in the form of a loose sleeveless cloak made of linen or silk and embroidered with crosses or other religious inscriptions. It is worn by priests and bishops, the latter having a shield-shaped section attached at the back, studded with precious stones.
CATECHUMEN	* The catechumens are those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and are getting read to Baptism. * In the early church, a new Jewish or pagan convert used to undergo a course of basic instruction and training in Christian doctrine and ritual. * Catechumens were classified according to their spiritual progress and achievement in assimilating Christian doctrine. 1. Those who were allowed to hear the word of God were called listeners or hearers (audiented). 2. Those of longer standing, who were al lowed to stay and attend the sermon given by the bishop or priest and certain prayers during which they knelt, were designated as prostrate. 3. Those who had passed the two previous stages and were considered to be sufficiently trained in faith to receive the sacrament of baptism were called competents. * Catechumens studied various theological works. * Catechumens were kept under the close supervision and guidance of their catechists, and those of them who lapsed were subjected to strict disciplinary punishment.
CATHEDRAL	* The principal church of the diocese, where the bishop has his cathedra (means "chair") or throne.
CATHOLIC	* An eastern expression means "general " or "universal." The church is described in the creeds as catholic, because it is universal, holding earnestly the one faith for all times, in all countries, for all people, and is sent to preach the gospel to the whole world. * It was first met with in Christian literature in St. Ignatius of Antioch (Ep. ad Smyr. 8. 2.). In Christian terminology it has come to have various uses: 1. Identifying the universal Church as distinct from local Christian churches. 2. In the sense of "orthodox," as distinct from "heretical," or from "schismatical."
CATHOLIC EPISTLES	* So is called the epistle of St. James, the two epistles of St. Peter, St. John's three epistles and St. Jude's epistle. * These were sent to the church all over the world. A chapter of it is read in the Liturgy after the Pauline epistles.
CATHOLICOS.	* A term of Greek origin signifying "general,"or" universal," and used as a title given to high-ranking secular officials, and later on as an honorary title for certain ecclesiastical dignitaries ranking below a patriarch but above a metropolitan. On 25 June 1959, a protocol was issued in Cairo organizing the relationship between the Coptic Orthodox church and the Ethiopian church. Article 1 stipulates that the supreme spiritual head of the latter church is the pope of Alexandria and the patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, while article 4 provides for the elevation of the spiritual head of the Ethiopian church to the rank of catholicos patriarch.
CELEBRANT	* The clergyman who celebrates the Eucharist, either a bishop or a priest.
CELIBACY	* Unmarried state, particularly of clergy who are so bound by a solemn vow.
CELL	* A monk's private room in a monastery.
CENSER	* A silver or copper container where embers are put and incense is burnt to be presented to God. * It refers to the Virgin holding Christ. The fire that unites with charcoal refers to the divinity of Christ united with humanity.
CHALICE	* A golden or a silver vessel where it is put the holy wine and some water. In the Eucharist this is transferred to the Lors Jesus Christ`s blood. * The chalice is put in a wooden box called the "Ark," or the "'Throne." The earliest Christian chalices were commonly of glass, though other materials were sometimes used. By the 4th century, the precious metals had become general, and valuable chalices of gold or silver set with precious stones are mentioned by SS. Augustine and John Chrysostom.
CHANCEL	* A specific section for the deacons, in front of the Iconostasis
. CHRISM (MYRON)	* A consecrated oil used in two sacraments, viz. at baptism and Chrism, as well as at the consecration of the Church and of the sacred vessels etc. The priest is allowed to anoint the newly-baptized with the chrism. * The tradition of using this sacred oil goes back to the Old Testament (Exod. 39) where God ordered Moses to prepare a compound anointing oil of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and sweet calamus mixed with pure olive oil. It was used in anointing kings, priests, the tent of the tabernacle, and its furnitures. * It's made out of specific oils mixed with spices that was presented when the Lord was shrouded. * Chrism is administered immediately after baptism. The newly-baptized joins the church and becomes one of it's members through baptism, and is strengthened through Chrism, thus he has now the right to partake of the holy Communion.
CHURCHING OF WOMEN	* The act of thanksgiving that Christian women offer after childbirth. The custom, is based on the Jewish rite of Purification (Lev. 12. 6). Women cannot receive the Holy Communion before forty days after the birth of a male child, and eighty days in case of a female child. Special prayers are recited on their behalf before they are allowed to recieve the Holy Communion.
CHRISMATORY	* A small cruet, made of glass, earthenware, or metal, used as a receptacle for the holy Chrism. It is usually kept inside a locked wooden box, and placed in the sanctuary or close to the baptismal font.
CHRISTIAN	* One who believes in Jesus Christ and who follows His teachings. A term first used at Antioch where the followers of Christ were so called.
CHRISTIAN NAME	* The name given and received in baptism.
CHURCH	* It is the people's congregation, together with the clergy, as being Christ's Body. * It is a one, holy, apostolic and universal (Catholic) community. * It is God's house consecrated to worship. It is the house of angels who join us in praising God.
CHURCH (ITS SECTIONS)	1- The sanctuary where there is the altar. 2- The nave, divided into: a- The chancel. b- Believers chorus. c- The chorus of the catechumens (the narthex).
CHURCH'S CONSECRATION	* The bishop consecrates the building through praying all the night long (vigil) together with the priests, deacons, and people. Thus the building is to be a church where the Lord of angels is glad of.
CHURCH'S SHAPE	1- In the shape of a ship, reminding us of Noah's ark. 2- Clrcular m shape as etermty Is, having no beginning nor end. 3- In the shape of a cross. * On top of it are semi-circular domes that reminds us of heaven. The big middle dome stands on four pillars, on each pillar is drawn the icon of one ' the evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT	* The souls in Paradise who have perfect consummation and bliss in God's presence.
CIBORIUM	* See "Artophorion," and "Canopy."
CLERGYMEN	* There are three orders of clergymen namely bishops, priests and deacons who are ordained to serve the people of God.
CLOSET	* It is a supplementary room to the sanctuary used during Holy Communion. A room where there is an icon of a patron, saint or angel.
COENOBITIC DISCIPLINE	* See "Monasticism."
COMMUNAL DISCIPLINE	* See "Monasticism."
COMMUNICANT	* A baptized member of the church in good standing who is eligible and partakes of the Holy Communion regularly.
COMMUNION, HQLY	* See "Sacraments of the Church."
COMMUNION UF BREAD AND WINE	* In the West, the custom of receiving Holy Communion under the two species of bread and wine was general until about the l2th century. Til1 today, the Coptic Church has the same custom.
COMMUNION OF SAINTS	* Mentioned in the ninth article of the Apostles' Creed. It has been interpreted in several senses: 1. The spiritual union existing between each Christian and Christ, and so between each and every Christian, either those in the Paradise (the "Church Triumphant"), or on earth (the "Church Militant.") It is a communion of those who live as true children of God, through the gift of the divine grace, with the Holy Trinity, practicing mutual love with the heavenly creatures and with each other. 2. The sharing of holy things, i.e. the share which all Christians have in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
CONFESSION	* It is the offspring of faith pronounced by a martyr or a confessor ( 1 Tim. 6:13; 2 Cor. 9:13), and so in general its a declaration of religious belief. In this sense, many ancient creeds, viz. the Coptic baptismal creed, start by the words, "I or we confess..." * The acknowledgment of sin before God. Private or communal confession in the presence of a priest is integral with confession before God. * We confess that we are sinners, not ignoring the work of God in our lives. We condemn ourselves and praise God for His free grace. The priest, as a father, cares for his children in confession and helps them to carry on uprightly.
CONFESSION [IN THE EUCHARISTIC LI TU RGY]	* Before receiving the Holy Communion we admit that through the Lord Jesus Christ's Body and Blood we are given the forgiveness of sin and we gain eternal life. We pray the "Confession" in reverence and fear, as a preparation to receive Holy Communion.
CONSECRATION	* The dedication of a person (ordination of clergymen) or thing (churches, altars, sacred vessels etc..) to divine service. 'The act whereby the elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist become the Body and Blood of Christ.
COPTIC	* This word means "Egyptian." * Nowadays Egyptian Christians are so called. St. Mark the Apostle preached Egypt.
COPTIC LITURGIES	Liturgies of SS. Basil, Gregory the Theologian and Cyril (St. Mark's).
COUNCIL	* A convention or assembly of the priests,together with the bishop to administer the church pastoral duties and spiritual life of its members.
COUNCILS (ECUMENICAL)	* Bishops all over the world meet together to deal with faith and pastoral problems. * Councils that are admitted by our church are: 1- Council of Nicea: (325 A.D.) that dealt with Arius who denied Christ's divinity. 2- Council of Constantinople: (381 A.D.) because of Machdonius who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit. 3- Council of Ephesus: (431 A.D.) because of Nestorius who separated between Christ's divinity and humanity. * Copts had an effective role in these councils.
CUUNCILS (LOCAL)	* The local councils are probably representing the local church in Egypt where the Pope is used to meet with the bishops of Egypt, (Libya and Ethiopia) regularly, to discuss pastoral and doctrinal affairs. * See "Synod (holy)."
CREED	( 1 believe) A concise, formal, and authorized statement of important points of Christian faith, such as the historic Apostles, Nicene, and Athenasian Creeds. * Originally, candidates for baptism accepted a short formula of belief which varied in detail in different local churches. * In the ceremony of baptism of children the godparents recite the baptismal creed on behalf of them. Almost in all liturgies and canonical hours, believers recite the creed in a loud voice.
CROSIER or CROZIER	* Some scholars are confused between the crosier and the bishop's pastoral staff. The first is surmounted by a cross between two serpents, used in liturgical services and in the bishop's procession, while the second is just a stick as a symbol of leadership and pastoral authority. * See "Pastoral staff."
CROSS, THE	* An instrument of shameful execution, which became after Christ's crucifixion the universal symbol of the Christian faith. * We praise the Cross, for through it we attain our salvation, victory over the devil and participation in the glory of Christ. * The priest uses the Cross during service, and in blessing the people. * Christ is the source of blessing through the Cross.
CROSS, PECTORAL	* A small cross with a chain, usually made of leather, silver, or gold worn by the clergy, as an insignia and distinguishing mark, giving the clergy spiritual power and protection.
CROSS, PROCESSIONAL	* A large cross mounted on a pole which is carried by a deacon at the head of a procession during feasts, celebrations, and other special occasions. The crossbearer (crucifier) is followed by two other deacons, each carrying a fan, and then by the rest of the deacons follow as well, all holding banners.
CROSSING THE GIFTS (institution of Narrative)	* During the Liturgy of the Eucharist the celebrant make the sign of the Cross on the lamb and chalice three times.
CROWN, MITER	* The bishop usually wears a golden crown during prayer as did the twenty-four heavenly priests (Rev. 4:4). * This crown reminds us of the heavenly crown as well as Christ's crown of thrones. * It is also symbolic of the authority given by the Lord to His high priest (2 Cor. 10:8), by which a patriarch becomes the steward of the secrets of Christ ( 1 Cor. 4:4). * All through the previous generation deacons used to wear white crowns (caps) ornamented by icons and crosses, while they were praying the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
CRUCIFIER	* See "Cross, Processional."
CRUCIFIXION'S ICONSTAND	* A wooden table on which the icon of the Crucifixion is put on Great Friday. It is decorated all over with crosses, censers, candles and roses.
CRUETS	* In the divine liturgy, two small vessels are used, one for the holy wine and another for water. * Now usually cruets are made of glass, but in olden times it was sometimes made of gold or silver, and ornamented with crosses or verses from the Gospel.
CYMBALS	* Two circular metallic instruments that give a rhythm to harmonize church hymns.

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, U, V, W

CALENDAR (COPTIC) * It is the Pharaonic calender. The Copts started it on the year 284 A.D.
On the memorial day where Diocletian sat on the throne of the Roman Empire.
A great number of Copts were martyred in the period of his reign, that's why it was considered the starting point of the Coptic calendar.
* The names of the Coptic months are:
1 - Tut. 2 - Babah. 3 - Hatur. 4 - Kiahk. 5 - Tubah. 6 - Amshir. 7 - Baramhat. 8 - Baramudah. 9 - Bashans. 10 - Baounah. 11 - Abib. 12 - Misrah. 13 - The small month or Nissieh.
CANDLE * We lit candles at church, referring to the heavens that is enlightened with the Lord Jesus Christ.
* We lit the candles on reading the Holy Bible because God's word is the world's light.
* The candle lights to others, likewise ought the Christian, he has to serve others on the expense of himself.
CANDELABRUM * It is placed inside the sanctuary or outside it, next to the Iconostasis.
* See Altar Candlesticks.
CANON * A Greek word meaning a straight rod or bar.
In Christian language it was adopted to denote the following:
1. Canon of Scripture - the list of genuine and inspired books of the Bible.
2. The church canons, such as liturgical rules, especially that part of the Liturgy of Eucharist which includes the consecration, and rules concerning the life and discipline of the Church.
* The Holy Bible gives us a way for salvation, whereas it gives the Church the right to nut canons to discipline worship and behavior . biblical spirit.
* Church canons are issued either by menical or local councils.
* Every church canon has to be issued in lical spirit and church concept.
CANONICAL * According to the canon laws of the church; authoritative and official.
CANONICAL HOURS (AGBIA) * The book of daily prayers according to certain hours.
* It includes all the prayers, Psalms, Gospel readings, and petitions to be said at the various hours by day and night, appointed in accordance with analogous points in the life and Passion of Jesus Christ.
* Canonical hours were appointed in conformity with Psalm 119: 164 "Seven times a day do I praise You because of Your righteous judgments," and in fulfillment of Christ's commandment that prayers be offered at all times and with unflagging energy (Luke 18:1).
1- Prime (Matins - morning prayer): we remember the Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection.
2- Tierce (9 A.M.): we remember when the Holy Spirit has came upon the believers.
3- Sixth (12 A.M.): we remember the Lord's Crucifixion.
4- Nones (3 P.M.): we remember the Lord's death.
5- Vesper: we remember the Lord's burial.
6- Compline (bedtime): we remember our departure from this world.
7- Midnight: we remember the Lord's last advent.
8- The Veil Prayer, concerning monks and nuns.
CAPE The cape (Arabic, burnus) is a liturgical outer vestment in the form of a loose sleeveless cloak made of linen or silk and embroidered with crosses or other religious inscriptions. It is worn by priests and bishops, the latter having a shield-shaped section attached at the back, studded with precious stones.
CATECHUMEN * The catechumens are those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and are getting read to Baptism.
* In the early church, a new Jewish or pagan convert used to undergo a course of basic instruction and training in Christian doctrine and ritual.
* Catechumens were classified according to their spiritual progress and achievement in assimilating Christian doctrine.
1. Those who were allowed to hear the word of God were called listeners or hearers (audiented).
2. Those of longer standing, who were al lowed to stay and attend the sermon given by the bishop or priest and certain prayers during which they knelt, were designated as prostrate.
3. Those who had passed the two previous stages and were considered to be sufficiently trained in faith to receive the sacrament of baptism were called competents.
* Catechumens studied various theological works.
* Catechumens were kept under the close supervision and guidance of their catechists, and those of them who lapsed were subjected to strict disciplinary punishment.
CATHEDRAL * The principal church of the diocese, where the bishop has his cathedra (means "chair") or throne.
CATHOLIC * An eastern expression means "general " or "universal." The church is described in the creeds as catholic, because it is universal, holding earnestly the one faith for all times, in all countries, for all people, and is sent to preach the gospel to the whole world.
* It was first met with in Christian literature in St. Ignatius of Antioch (Ep. ad Smyr. 8. 2.). In Christian terminology it has come to have various uses:
1. Identifying the universal Church as distinct from local Christian churches.
2. In the sense of "orthodox," as distinct from "heretical," or from "schismatical."
CATHOLIC EPISTLES * So is called the epistle of St. James, the two epistles of St. Peter, St. John's three epistles and St. Jude's epistle.
* These were sent to the church all over the world.
A chapter of it is read in the Liturgy after the Pauline epistles.
CATHOLICOS. * A term of Greek origin signifying "general,"or" universal," and used as a title given to high-ranking secular officials, and later on as an honorary title for certain ecclesiastical dignitaries ranking below a patriarch but above a metropolitan.
On 25 June 1959, a protocol was issued in Cairo organizing the relationship between the Coptic Orthodox church and the Ethiopian church. Article 1 stipulates that the supreme spiritual head of the latter church is the pope of Alexandria and the patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, while article 4 provides for the elevation of the spiritual head of the Ethiopian church to the rank of catholicos patriarch.
CELEBRANT * The clergyman who celebrates the Eucharist, either a bishop or a priest.
CELIBACY * Unmarried state, particularly of clergy who are so bound by a solemn vow.
CELL * A monk's private room in a monastery.
CENSER * A silver or copper container where embers are put and incense is burnt to be presented to God. * It refers to the Virgin holding Christ.
The fire that unites with charcoal refers to the divinity of Christ united with humanity.
CHALICE * A golden or a silver vessel where it is put the holy wine and some water. In the Eucharist this is transferred to the Lors Jesus Christ`s blood.
* The chalice is put in a wooden box called the "Ark," or the "'Throne."
The earliest Christian chalices were commonly of glass, though other materials were sometimes used. By the 4th century, the precious metals had become general, and valuable chalices of gold or silver set with precious stones are mentioned by SS. Augustine and John Chrysostom.
CHANCEL * A specific section for the deacons, in front of the Iconostasis
. CHRISM (MYRON) * A consecrated oil used in two sacraments, viz. at baptism and Chrism, as well as at the consecration of the Church and of the sacred vessels etc. The priest is allowed to anoint the newly-baptized with the chrism.
* The tradition of using this sacred oil goes back to the Old Testament (Exod. 39) where God ordered Moses to prepare a compound anointing oil of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and sweet calamus mixed with pure olive oil. It was used in anointing kings, priests, the tent of the tabernacle, and its furnitures.
* It's made out of specific oils mixed with spices that was presented when the Lord was shrouded.
* Chrism is administered immediately after baptism. The newly-baptized joins the church and becomes one of it's members through baptism, and is strengthened through Chrism, thus he has now the right to partake of the holy Communion.
CHURCHING OF WOMEN * The act of thanksgiving that Christian women offer after childbirth. The custom, is based on the Jewish rite of Purification (Lev. 12. 6).
Women cannot receive the Holy Communion before forty days after the birth of a male child, and eighty days in case of a female child. Special prayers are recited on their behalf before they are allowed to recieve the Holy Communion.
CHRISMATORY * A small cruet, made of glass, earthenware, or metal, used as a receptacle for the holy Chrism. It is usually kept inside a locked wooden box, and placed in the sanctuary or close to the baptismal font.
CHRISTIAN * One who believes in Jesus Christ and who follows His teachings.
A term first used at Antioch where the followers of Christ were so called.
CHRISTIAN NAME * The name given and received in baptism.
CHURCH * It is the people's congregation, together with the clergy, as being Christ's Body.
* It is a one, holy, apostolic and universal (Catholic) community.
* It is God's house consecrated to worship.
It is the house of angels who join us in praising God.
CHURCH (ITS SECTIONS) 1- The sanctuary where there is the altar.
2- The nave, divided into:
a- The chancel.
b- Believers chorus.
c- The chorus of the catechumens (the narthex).
CHURCH'S CONSECRATION * The bishop consecrates the building through praying all the night long (vigil) together with the priests, deacons, and people. Thus the building is to be a church where the Lord of angels is glad of.
CHURCH'S SHAPE 1- In the shape of a ship, reminding us of Noah's ark.
2- Clrcular m shape as etermty Is, having no beginning nor end.
3- In the shape of a cross.
* On top of it are semi-circular domes that reminds us of heaven.
The big middle dome stands on four pillars, on each pillar is drawn the icon of one ' the evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT * The souls in Paradise who have perfect consummation and bliss in God's presence.
CIBORIUM * See "Artophorion," and "Canopy."
CLERGYMEN * There are three orders of clergymen namely bishops, priests and deacons who are ordained to serve the people of God.
CLOSET * It is a supplementary room to the sanctuary used during Holy Communion.
A room where there is an icon of a patron, saint or angel.
COENOBITIC DISCIPLINE * See "Monasticism."
COMMUNAL DISCIPLINE * See "Monasticism."
COMMUNICANT * A baptized member of the church in good standing who is eligible and partakes of the Holy Communion regularly.
COMMUNION, HQLY * See "Sacraments of the Church."
COMMUNION UF BREAD AND WINE * In the West, the custom of receiving Holy Communion under the two species of bread and wine was general until about the l2th century. Til1 today, the Coptic Church has the same custom.
COMMUNION OF SAINTS * Mentioned in the ninth article of the Apostles' Creed. It has been interpreted in several senses:
1. The spiritual union existing between each Christian and Christ, and so between each and every Christian, either those in the Paradise (the "Church Triumphant"), or on earth (the "Church Militant.") It is a communion of those who live as true children of God, through the gift of the divine grace, with the Holy Trinity, practicing mutual love with the heavenly creatures and with each other.
2. The sharing of holy things, i.e. the share which all Christians have in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
CONFESSION * It is the offspring of faith pronounced by a martyr or a confessor ( 1 Tim. 6:13; 2 Cor. 9:13), and so in general its a declaration of religious belief. In this sense, many ancient creeds, viz. the Coptic baptismal creed, start by the words, "I or we confess..."
* The acknowledgment of sin before God. Private or communal confession in the presence of a priest is integral with confession before God.
* We confess that we are sinners, not ignoring the work of God in our lives. We condemn ourselves and praise God for His free grace.
The priest, as a father, cares for his children in confession and helps them to carry on uprightly.
CONFESSION [IN THE EUCHARISTIC LI TU RGY] * Before receiving the Holy Communion we admit that through the Lord Jesus Christ's Body and Blood we are given the forgiveness of sin and we gain eternal life.
We pray the "Confession" in reverence and fear, as a preparation to receive Holy Communion.
CONSECRATION * The dedication of a person (ordination of clergymen) or thing (churches, altars, sacred vessels etc..) to divine service.
'The act whereby the elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist become the Body and Blood of Christ.
COPTIC * This word means "Egyptian."
* Nowadays Egyptian Christians are so called.
St. Mark the Apostle preached Egypt.
COPTIC LITURGIES Liturgies of SS. Basil, Gregory the Theologian and Cyril (St. Mark's).
COUNCIL * A convention or assembly of the priests,together with the bishop to administer the church pastoral duties and spiritual life of its members.
COUNCILS (ECUMENICAL) * Bishops all over the world meet together to deal with faith and pastoral problems.
* Councils that are admitted by our church are:
1- Council of Nicea: (325 A.D.) that dealt with Arius who denied Christ's divinity.
2- Council of Constantinople: (381 A.D.) because of Machdonius who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
3- Council of Ephesus: (431 A.D.) because of Nestorius who separated between Christ's divinity and humanity.
* Copts had an effective role in these councils.
CUUNCILS (LOCAL) * The local councils are probably representing the local church in Egypt where the Pope is used to meet with the bishops of Egypt, (Libya and Ethiopia) regularly, to discuss pastoral and doctrinal affairs.
* See "Synod (holy)."
CREED ( 1 believe) A concise, formal, and authorized statement of important points of Christian faith, such as the historic Apostles, Nicene, and Athenasian Creeds.
* Originally, candidates for baptism accepted a short formula of belief which varied in detail in different local churches.
* In the ceremony of baptism of children the godparents recite the baptismal creed on behalf of them. Almost in all liturgies and canonical hours, believers recite the creed in a loud voice.
CROSIER or CROZIER * Some scholars are confused between the crosier and the bishop's pastoral staff. The first is surmounted by a cross between two serpents, used in liturgical services and in the bishop's procession, while the second is just a stick as a symbol of leadership and pastoral authority.
* See "Pastoral staff."
CROSS, THE * An instrument of shameful execution, which became after Christ's crucifixion the universal symbol of the Christian faith.
* We praise the Cross, for through it we attain our salvation, victory over the devil and participation in the glory of Christ.
* The priest uses the Cross during service, and in blessing the people.
* Christ is the source of blessing through the Cross.
CROSS, PECTORAL * A small cross with a chain, usually made of leather, silver, or gold worn by the clergy, as an insignia and distinguishing mark, giving the clergy spiritual power and protection.
CROSS, PROCESSIONAL * A large cross mounted on a pole which is carried by a deacon at the head of a procession during feasts, celebrations, and other special occasions. The crossbearer (crucifier) is followed by two other deacons, each carrying a fan, and then by the rest of the deacons follow as well, all holding banners.
CROSSING THE GIFTS
(institution of Narrative) * During the Liturgy of the Eucharist the celebrant make the sign of the Cross on the lamb and chalice three times.
CROWN, MITER * The bishop usually wears a golden crown during prayer as did the twenty-four heavenly priests (Rev. 4:4).
* This crown reminds us of the heavenly crown as well as Christ's crown of thrones.
* It is also symbolic of the authority given by the Lord to His high priest (2 Cor. 10:8), by which a patriarch becomes the steward of the secrets of Christ ( 1 Cor. 4:4).
* All through the previous generation deacons used to wear white crowns (caps) ornamented by icons and crosses, while they were praying the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
CRUCIFIER * See "Cross, Processional."
CRUCIFIXION'S ICONSTAND * A wooden table on which the icon of the Crucifixion is put on Great Friday. It is decorated all over with crosses, censers, candles and roses.
CRUETS * In the divine liturgy, two small vessels are used, one for the holy wine and another for water.
* Now usually cruets are made of glass, but in olden times it was sometimes made of gold or silver, and ornamented with crosses or verses from the Gospel.
CYMBALS * Two circular metallic instruments that give a rhythm to harmonize church hymns.