Greetings all!
I've been searching out info on the internet about the Coptic Orthodox Church and in so doing, I have also been looking at information about the Oriental Orthodox Church itself, which would also include the Armenian, Syrian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and the Malankara Indian Churches.
While reading up on a few Coptic sites, I have become aware that the Coptic Church has some very strict regulations in regards to fasting, as well as receiving the Most Holy Sacrament.
A few some to mind:
that women may not partake of the Eucharist when they are cycling, that men are to receive the Eucharist before women and that men and women are seperate from one another in the church.
Are these same rules and regulations above the same across the whole spectrum of the Oriental Orthodox Churches?
For instance, would the Armenians (or Syrians, Malankara Orthodox, etc.,) refuse a woman from receiving the eucharist because she is cycling, would they also seperate the sexes while in the church and do they also commune men before women?
I am curious to know if these are practices exclusive the Coptic Church and if they are, why don't the rest follow these traditions?
I would also like to know if the Oriental Orthodox share the exact same Calendar of Saints and feast days/days of fasting.
I ask these questions respectfully because I am eager to learn more about the traditions and practices of the Oriental Churches.
I eagerly await your responses!
In Christ,
Aaron
Ps- I am sure there are of course, other rules about approaching the Holy Sacrament, as well as information about fasting and the various fasts. Where might I find this information online?
I am looking for something straightforward and to the point and that also goes into detail.
Thanks again!
