Dear Liz,
Actually, the Copts don't use prayer shawls, apart from wraps that Coptic women wear to Church.
The Ethiopian tradition comes from the Alexandrian Church, a common root to both Copts and Ethiopians. But the latter Church (I am now afraid to say "Rite"
![[Linked Image]](https://www.byzcath.org/bboard/smile.gif)
) has many Judaic practices owing to the historic connection of that country with Israel, beginning with the Queen of Sheba.
There are fringes and tassels attached to their edges, representing the flowing of the Divine Oil of the Holy Spirit (e.g. Psalm 132 reference is made to the oil that poured over the beard of Aaron, unto the edges of his garments.)
Our Lord wore a prayer shawl and the woman with the issue of blood touched the edge of His garment where the fringes were which was the most religiously significant part of our Lord's clothing.
In the Russian and Ukrainian traditions, a similar practice to the above is seen in the wearing of embroidered belts with tassels or "opashkas."
The Old Believers wear them religiously
and I have started to along with others.
Our Studite Monks wear long belts with tassels as part of their monastic garb and it is the tradition for Slavic Orthodox priests to wear them as well.
God bless,
Alex
Originally posted by Liz:
Thank you for telling me, Alex! These prayer shawls sound really neat.
I'm wondering if the Copts use them too?
God Bless,
Liz
[This message has been edited by Orthodox Catholic (edited 05-24-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Orthodox Catholic (edited 05-24-2001).]
