How Do Copts Worship?
Coptic Orthodox worship is communal, ancient, and centered on prayer and the Eucharist (Holy Communion). The Church’s main service is the Divine Liturgy—the Church’s remembrance and celebration of Christ’s saving sacrifice, where believers prepare to receive Communion with reverence, repentance, and prayer.¹ ²
The Divine Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy includes prayers, litanies, and Bible readings, and it leads to the consecration of the bread and wine and the sharing of Holy Communion. Coptic sources commonly describe the Liturgy in “parts,” including preparation (offering), the readings, and the Liturgy of the Faithful (consecration, fraction, and communion).³ ²
The Coptic Church uses three main Eucharistic liturgies: St. Basil (the most commonly used), St. Gregory, and St. Cyril (St. Mark)—the ancient liturgy connected to the Church of Alexandria.³ ¹
Prayer, hymns, and the rhythm of daily worship
Coptic worship is rich in chanting and hymnody, often led by deacons, and it’s deeply shaped by Scripture. Beyond church services, many Copts pray from the Agpeya (Book of Hours)—a set of prayers for seven different hours of the day, each with Psalms, Gospel readings, and litanies.⁴
Incense and icons
You’ll often see incense offered during services (including Vespers/Matins and within the Liturgy). In Coptic teaching, incense is treated as a biblical expression of prayer, and it is offered throughout the church and before icons.⁴
The church building itself is also part of worship: the iconostasis (the screen of icons) is described as a “window into heaven,” and icons are honored with incense as a spiritual symbol of God’s grace among His people.⁵ ⁶
Worship is sacramental
Coptic Orthodox Christians understand worship as sacramental life—God working in His people through holy mysteries. The Church teaches seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (Chrismation), Confession, Eucharist, Priesthood, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.⁷
Sources:
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, “Liturgies of the Coptic Orthodox Church” (Liturgy as Eucharistic worship; St. Mark in Alexandria; ancient liturgy). Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles
Coptic Orthodox Metropolis of the Southern United States, “The Significance of the Divine Liturgy” (bread/wine become Body and Blood; communal prayer; preparation and reverence). Coptic Orthodox Metropolis South
Coptic Orthodox Metropolis of the Southern United States (Mighty Arrows PDF), “Coptic Liturgies” (parts of the Liturgy; St. Basil most common; St. Cyril/St. Mark liturgy connection). Coptic Orthodox Metropolis South
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States (RIT 101 PDF), “Liturgy, Agpeya and Praises” (Agpeya meaning and seven hours; incense as biblical; prayer structure). Coptic Orthodox Diocese CDN
H.H. Pope Tawadros II (official Coptic Orthodox Church site), consecration sermon referencing the iconostasis as a “window into heaven.” Coptic Orthodox Church
Coptic Orthodox Metropolis of the Southern United States (PDF), “Iconostasis” (icons honored with incense; meaning and symbolism). Coptic Orthodox Metropolis South
Coptic Orthodox Church (official website), “What is the Coptic Orthodox Church?” (seven sacraments list). Coptic Orthodox Church
