Introduction to Coptic Liturgy and Rites

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

L5101 Introduction to Christian Worship; L8101 Introduction to Christian worship

Academic Staff

Mina Samy

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit provides students a foundation for the study of the worship of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Develop an appreciation for the diversity of liturgical practices.
2. Use and evaluate a wide range of Coptic liturgical sources.
3. Apply tools and methods for the critical analysis of liturgical texts.
4. Gain an in-depth understanding of the history and structure of a range of Coptic liturgical services.
5. Identify and articulate current issues in Coptic liturgical practices.

Content

1) The social and cultural background of the Egyptian Church
2) The liturgical sources and the development of Christian worship in Egypt
3) Examination of the content and history of the Coptic liturgical services: prayers of the hours, psalmody, raising of incense, eucharistic liturgies, etc.
4) The history and development of feasts and fasts of the Coptic Church
5) Major theological themes behind Coptic worship