{"id":2977,"date":"2016-01-25T11:31:15","date_gmt":"2016-01-25T15:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/crosscultural\/?p=2977"},"modified":"2016-01-26T12:01:11","modified_gmt":"2016-01-26T16:01:11","slug":"coptic-traditions-at-anafora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/intercultural\/2016\/01\/25\/coptic-traditions-at-anafora\/","title":{"rendered":"Coptic traditions at Anafora"},"content":{"rendered":"

We had the opportunity to spend a few days at a Coptic Orthodox
\nretreat center an hour out of Cairo called Anafora. The Coptic church\u00a0traces their roots back to the apostle Mark and a visit he made\u00a0to\u00a0Egypt. So this experience was a chance to worship with one of the\u00a0earliest church traditions.<\/p>\n

The leadership at Anafora are working to\u00a0create a place where people can come to seek retreat and new life.\u00a0They have started to build biblical structures, the Amanmesia, which\u00a0means remembering, to help explain some of their beliefs. So far they
\nhave built a replica of the tabernacle, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount
\nof Olives, a small version of the ark of Noah, and a model of
\nJerusalem. They are currently working on painting the walls of a
\nchurch building showing different Bible stories and of the 12
\napostles. Overall, Anafora is doing well at creating a relaxing
\nenvironment where all feel welcome despite the differences in color,
\nculture, and religious practices.<\/p>\n

We got to take part in the Epiphany service which was in a mix of
\nCoptic and Arabic. The Coptic and Greek Orthodox churches celebrate\u00a0the baptism of Jesus as part of Epiphany. The service starts with two\u00a0hours of prayers, then an hour and a half mass, and finishing with a\u00a0ceremony of placing a cross into water. The mass was a new experience\u00a0for many of us who come from the Mennonite tradition, which doesn\u2019t\u00a0feature as much liturgy and sacraments. The mass had us using all of our\u00a0senses. When entering the chapel, we were overwhelmed by the smoke and\u00a0smell of incense. We listened to the sound of songs, spoken liturgies,\u00a0and cymbals. We saw the different icons of crosses and apostles, took\u00a0part in passing the peace by touching hands, and observed the taking\u00a0of communion.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0509\"<\/a>After the mass we received candles and processed to an
\namphitheater which included an island surrounded by a pool of water.\u00a0Following some singing and liturgy, Bishop Thomas placed three baskets\u00a0on fire, an anc (an Egyptian cymbal used to represent the cross), and\u00a0a cross into the pool. Upon the completion of the service, everyone\u00a0enjoyed a meal together as the Coptic Christians had been fasting for\u00a0Epiphany.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fascinating to witness how Christians in all different traditions
\nand cultures used different practices and traditions to listen to God.
\nIn the Mennonite tradition we use four part hymns and in the Coptic
\ntradition they use incense and liturgy. After processing this, it made
\nme realize that the way Christians pull in parts of their culture to
\nencounter God is an example of how God can not be bound by
\ntraditions. He moves and speaks in all places and through many ways.<\/p>\n

A section of the liturgy used in the Epiphany service:
\nO King of peace, grand us Your peace, establish for us Your peace, and\u00a0forgive us our sins.
\nDisperse the enemies of the church, and strengthen her so it will never shake.
\nEmmanuel, our God, in His Father\u2019s Glory with the Holy Spirit, is now\u00a0in our midst.
\nThat He blesses us all, purifies our hearts, and heals the sickness of
\nour souls and bodies.
\nWe worship You, O Christ, with Your good Father and the Holy Spirit\u00a0for You were baptized and saved us.<\/p>\n

-Janaya Sachs and Rachel Holderman<\/p>\n

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