www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Coptic Question: Greeting a Priest

I asked this on another forum and didn't get much of an answer, so I will ask here and see what I come up with!

I have seen Coptic Orthodox faithful greet their priest saying something, to which the priest replied something in return. Is there something one would say when greeting a priest (or bishop) in the Coptic tradition?

Also, what do the Copts call their bishop? I know the Arabs say "Sayidna".

Dave

If you heard them speaking in Arabic, it was probably izzayik? and then the response ilhamdulilaa, which means How are you? and thanks be to God. I'm not aware of anything formally that's said. Copts are alot more laid back about such things than Byzantines. The main thing Copts are concerned with are do you love the Lord Jesus and do you live the Christian faith in love of our Lord and in love to your brothers and sisters. And I mean this in the most literal meaning possible. Copts are some of the best Christians on earth, and I really can't emphasize that enough. It's common to hear them speaking Rabinna this, and Rabinna that, when they're in conversation with one another. Rabinna means our Lord. And the bishop is called Sayedna, and they mean it in a very affectionate way. Even if you meet Pope Shenouda himself, and try to act all respectful and formal, which is a good thing, he will respond by giving you a big hug. A priest will sometimes respond when you kiss his hand by hugging you. I know of a case where a holy bishop (who will probably be a saint, quite literally) who when meeting a layperson kept saying, I'm so happy to see you, and I love you very much. I read that St. Teresa of Avila was like this too. Holy people are so filled with the Lord that they are like children.

Dunstan,

Thanks for your reply!

From my experience, I have to concur. The Coptic church is much less formal than the Byzantine, but in a "familial" way and not in a disrespectful way. (It does drive some "order freaks" crazy though!) The two Coptic bishops I have met have been incredibly "down to earth" and friendly. And the people are just so hospitable and gracious! A Coptic community is using my church once a month for a Divine Liturgy (tomorrow being one of those days), and they are both very welcoming to us "outsiders" and extremely appreciative for the use of our church.

Dave