The Coptic Divine Liturgy is one of the oldest, continuously celebrated religious services in the world. Prescribed prayers and benedictions as well as select scriptural readings accompanied the Coptic Divine Liturgy and became a standard part of the celebration. Coptic liturgy is characterized by the extensive use of incense, which in combination with the visual effect of the icons decorating a Coptic church, is intended to engage all the senses of the faithful. The Coptic liturgy is chanted, with minimal use of musical instruments. At the heart of the Coptic liturgy is the sacrament of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. This is the simple act of breaking and sharing bread and drinking wine, a symbol of earthly life, and its sacramental transformation into the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Wooden chalice case embellished with an image of the Last Supper. The chalice case is used in the Holy Communion to hold a cup of wine, a symbol of the Holy Blood of Jesus. 19th century, painted by Anastasi Al Rumi.
This illumination in a Psalmody represents the archangel Michael. On the opposite page the beginning of the first prayer in the morning is written in Coptic-Arabic. 18th century.
This liturgical manuscript contains hymns for the service of Baptism and the Eucharist in Coptic and Arabic. 18th century.
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