How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

Upon reaching the church, make the sign of the cross, then
quietly enter so as to disturb anybody. Enter the church, the
house of God, in reverence and righteousness remembering
what the gospel mentioned about Simon the Elder, “He
came by the Spirit to the temple, he took Him (Jesus) in
his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2:25-28).
When entering the church, say with the Psalmist, “But as for
me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your
mercy. In fear of Your I will worship towards Your holy
temple" (Psalm 5:7). When you reach the altar, make the
sign of the cross, and prostrate three times saying, "I worship
You Christ our God, with Your gracious Father, and the
Holy Spirit, because You have come and saved us." Then
reverently stand before the altar and pray the, “Our
Father...” Touch the hem of the curtain's veil and reverently
kiss it as it is a symbol of Christ’s garment about which the
woman with the flow of blood said, ‘“If only I may touch
His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the
fountain of her blood was dried up and she felt in her body
that she was healed of the affliction”’ (Mark 5:25-34).
Take a blessing from the priest by kissing the cross and his
right hand holding the cross. Then quietly take your place in
the church and start partaking in the prayers. You can use
the Coptic Liturgy book.
If you enter the church at the time of the Gospel reading, you
must stand reverently at the door of the church, listen to the
gospel with the others and after the gospel is read you may
go forward and kneel before the altar.
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