Entering a Coptic church

[Andrew - The First Called]

I know that when the Eastern Orthodox enter their churches it is common to kiss certain icons and light a candle etc. What should or what can a lay person do when they enter a Coptic church? (prostrations, crossing etc.) What prayers are suitable to be said when one reaches their pew, or when one enters the church itself?

[deusveritasest]

I have vaguely been told something about going up to the icon of Christ on the iconostasis and saying certain prayers with some bows, but I don't remember anything more than that. I have seen done by deacons what was being explained to me, but I cannot elaborate on the exact nature of it.

[zekarja]

I'm wondering the same. What should one do when entering and exiting a Coptic Church?

[Gisasargavak]

I can't comment as to the Coptic Church, but here is what Armenians do:

Upon entering the church:

1. Cross yourself when you enter, if you find that you have to cross the middle to get to an open pew, turn facing the altar and cross yourself again solemnly while bowing your head, then move to your pew.

2. When you find your pew, cross yourself, say the Our Father, cross yourself again and sit down (if you are allowed to at the point in the services).

Upon leaving the church:

1. Stand in line to kiss the Gospel and say (Hishestse Der zamenayn badaraks ko, "May God remember all of your sacrifices").
2. As you move towards the exit, take the mas (post-communion bread).
3. You must exit the door walking backwards, and cross yourself, so as not to "turn your back on God".

Maybe it is similar in the Coptic Church?

[zekarja]

I can't comment as to the Coptic Church, but here is what Armenians do:

Upon entering the church:

1. Cross yourself when you enter, if you find that you have to cross the middle to get to an open pew, turn facing the altar and cross yourself again solemnly while bowing your head, then move to your pew.

2. When you find your pew, cross yourself, say the Our Father, cross yourself again and sit down (if you are allowed to at the point in the services).

Upon leaving the church:

1. Stand in line to kiss the Gospel and say (Hishestse Der zamenayn badaraks ko, "May God remember all of your sacrifices").
2. As you move towards the exit, take the mas (post-communion bread).
3. You must exit the door walking backwards, and cross yourself, so as not to "turn your back on God".

Maybe it is similar in the Coptic Church?

Thanks. In my parish people just enter and walk to their seats. I know that there certain things you do entering/exiting the church, I just don't know what that is.

[copticuser20]

Please refer to the first 6 bullet points on this site: http://www.suscopts.org/deacons/deaconship/deacons_instructions.pdf. This pdf is directed to the deacon but it is generally what everyone should do. To add, there is usually an icon or icons with candles that people pray in front of and light a candle.

[zekarja]

Please refer to the first 6 bullet points on this site: http://www.suscopts.org/deacons/deaconship/deacons_instructions.pdf. This pdf is directed to the deacon but it is generally what everyone should do. To add, there is usually an icon or icons with candles that people pray in front of and light a candle.

Thank you very much!

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