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Andrew Doss

The Prayer of Reconstituting the Chalice (تعمير الكأس)

During the distribution of the Holy communion, it is possible, albeit infrequent, that a morsel or portion of the Holy Eucharist[1] may accidentally be spilled or fall from the hands of the priest or bishop distributing the Sacrament. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Eucharist that is offered to the communicants is well understood and believed to be the true Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this faith, held by the believers in the Church who approach the Table, is evident in practice even in such events, as the priest or bishop from whom such an accident occurs seeks with great care to retrieve the fallen portion so that no part of the Eucharist is wasted. Such care for the entirety of the Eucharist is an integral component of the work of the celebrant in administering the holy communion, especially as it reveals the Church’s faith in the actualization of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ when establishing the Eucharist with His disciples: “Take, eat; this is My body.”[2] In light of these words, and the unshaken belief of the believers in their truth, it would be absolutely unacceptable that even the smallest piece of the Body and Blood of the Lord, which were broken and shed on our behalf, be wasted.


In most circumstances wherein such an affront occurs, only a fraction of the Eucharist falls or is spilled from the chalice, and so it can easily be retrieved, especially in the case of the Body, allowing for the administering of communion to continue. In the event that the whole chalice is spilled, however, the Church has prepared a liturgical prayer for the reconstitution of the chalice so that the congregation may not be prevented from partaking of the Eucharist. This prayer, translated into English below, as well as the attention given to the communing and distribution of the Eucharist, reveals the Coptic Orthodox believers’ living practice of the Church’s teaching: more than mere philosophy or ideology, the faith that the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Christ is lived and practiced throughout the rites of the Church’s worship, and the liturgical prayers express, preserve, and make practical this faith of the Church.


During times when the Christians prayed liturgies in the homes of believers — especially during the years of the Apostles’ establishment of churches,[3] but also throughout history, especially during times of persecution — simple chalices and plates were consecrated and used in the administration of the Eucharist:

“Probably, the first chalices used by Christian priests were made of glass. It seems likely at least, though the inference cannot be called certain, from Tertullian’s words, that in his time glass chalices were commonly used in church, and undoubtedly such chalices were still common during the fifth century, as appears from the testimonies of St. Jerome and Cyprianus Gallus, the biographer of St. Cæsarius of Arles. Gregory of Tours mentions a crystal chalice of remarkable beauty, which belonged to the church of Milan.”[4]

Over time, the use of gold and silver became predominant, replacing the use of these simpler and less durable materials:

“However, even before persecution had ceased, the Church began, from natural reverence for Christ’s blood, to employ more costly vessels … Of course, such precious chalices became more common when the Church grew rich and powerful … Still for a long time chalices of horn, base metal, &c., were still used…”[5]

Even with the development of such protective measures, however, it was not unheard of that a chalice would leak or break from its frequent use, regardless of the material from which it was made. Chalices made from copper or brass would also easily rust, rendering their contents unfit for consumption and ultimately leading to prohibitions against the use of such materials in making the Eucharistic chalice: “Let not the chalice be made of copper or brass, because from the action of the wine it produces rust, which occasions sickness.”[6] To further preserve the integrity of the chalice and thereby ensure the security of the Blood therein, the liturgical rites of the Coptic Orthodox Church require that the celebrant trace around the edge of the chalice with his finger during the Institution Narrative to confirm that there are no cracks or breaks in the chalice that would either cause the Blood to leak or cause harm to the communicants. Such measures were enacted in the preparation of the chalice and within the rites of every Eucharistic celebration to ensure that the chalice was adequate for the reception of the Eucharist by the congregation.


The many precautions and careful preoccupation with even the material of the chalice used in the administration of the Eucharist were not practiced without reason. As mentioned above, the faith of the Church in the truth of the Eucharist — that it is the true Body and Blood of the Lord, and not merely symbolic of them — required such care and attention, lest any of the Body and Blood of the Lord, which He offered as a ransom on behalf of humankind, be wasted or disregarded. Such faith is expressed liturgically, especially in the Confession said by the celebrant immediately prior to the distribution of the Eucharist — a prayer unique to the rite of the Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy:

“Amen, Amen, Amen. I believe, I believe, I believe and confess to the last breath that this is the life-giving Flesh that Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ … given for us as a ransom (ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲥⲱϯ), remission of sins, and eternal life to those who partake of It (ⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧⲥ). I believe, I believe, I believe that this is true. Amen.”

We also find in many writings of the early Church Fathers an emphasis on the care for the administration of the Eucharist. Origen the Great, in the third century, writes: “You are accustomed to take part in the divine mysteries, so you know how, when you have received the Body of the Lord, you reverently exercise every care lest a particle of it fall, and lest anything of the consecrated gift perish.”[7] Around the same time, Hippolytus similarly mentions in his Apostolic Tradition, which was also pertinently called the Egyptian Church Order:

“All shall be careful so that no unbeliever tastes of the Eucharist, nor a mouse or other animal, nor that any of it falls and is lost. For it is the Body of Christ, to be eaten by those who believe, and not to be scorned. Having blessed the cup in the Name of God, you received it as the antitype of the Blood of Christ. Therefore do not spill from it, for some foreign spirit to lick it up because you despised it. You will become as one who scorns the Blood, the price with which you have been bought.”[8]

Later, in the fourth century, Cyril of Jerusalem, in his Mystagogical Catechesis, outlines the proper approach of the believers to the Eucharist:

“In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it; giving heed lest you lose any portion thereof; for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members. For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from you of what is more precious than gold and precious stones?”[9]

In light of these and many other testimonies from the early Church, there is great caution and emphasis upon the particularities of the believer’s approach to the Table, to prevent any accidental loss of or injury to the Eucharist.


In her wisdom, the Coptic Church, understanding the plausibility of the accidental spilling of the chalice, offers a theologically sound liturgical solution in presenting a prayer for the reconstitution of the chalice, so that no believer is prevented from partaking of the Eucharist in the event of such error on the part of the administering priest or bishop, who would be justly subject to punishment by the Church if found to have been negligent in his responsibility towards ensuring the safety of both the chalice and its contents. This prayer, which is in essence a summary of the Divine Liturgy, including each of its components — Trinitarian Doxology and the Thanksgiving Prayer (which introduce each of the Coptic Church’s sacramental prayers), raising of incense, Scriptural readings, supplication, reconciliation and the holy kiss, anamnesis, epiclesis, hymnological chant, etc. — provides the Church with an appropriate solution which enables the distribution of the Holy Mysteries to continue. Unable to compromise the liturgical worship and sanctity of the Eucharistic Table for any reason or situation, the Church’s presentation of this prayer reveals the sincerity and reverence by which the believers approach the Holy Communion and their expression of the faith in the truth of the Eucharist, the true Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.


May God prevent such circumstances and aid our fathers the priests and bishops who are entrusted with delivering the Eucharist to us, that we may not be found guilty of wasting even a crumb or droplet from the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which He entrusted to us as a life-giving medicine of immortality.

​In the Name of God.

Ⲥⲩⲛ Ⲑⲉⲱ̀

بسم الله

The order of the Reconstitution of the Chalice, as found in the Euchologion printed in the city of Rome in 1736 A.D., and we add to it this order which is found in the handwritten copy in the Coptic Museum dating back to the fourteenth century.

ترتيب تعمير الكأس كما وجد في كتاب الخولاجي المطبوع في مدينة روما سنة ١٧٣٦ م ونزيد علي هذا الترتيب ما وجد في نسخة خطية بالمتحف القبطي يرجع تاريخها الي القرن الرابع عشر.

This order of the Reconstitution of the Chalice is an offering and sanctification of the Holy Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, as is found in a copy in the Monastery of St. Macarius in the wilderness of Scetes [lit. Shiheet], which translates to “the balance of the hearts.” When the Chalice is found without its contents; that is, if the Chalice is found emptied from the wine due to a break or crack, or if inside the Chalice is found water, vinegar, oil, or any grease, its contents must be poured after the Body is covered and placed on the right side of the Altar. A priest or prudent deacon is brought to guard It [i.e. the Body] while holding a candle. The celebrant wraps his hands with a consecrated linen cloth and is offered a flask of wine after it has been examined. He holds the flask with his wrapped hand and blesses it with five signs as usual. Then he pours it into the chalice and mixes it with water. The deacon says ⲉⲓⲥⲡⲁⲧⲏⲣ [“One is the Holy Father…”] and the celebrant says the Thanksgiving Prayer until its end, and ⲥⲱⲑⲉⲓⲥ [“Saved…”] is not said. Rather, the congregation sings ⲧⲁⲓϣⲟⲩⲣⲏ [“This Censer…”] or ⲛ̀ⲑⲟ ⲧⲉ ϯϣⲟⲩⲣⲏ [“You are the Censer…”] until its end. The celebrant covers the chalice with the Prosferin [i.e. large linen sheet] and raises incense as usual with five spoonfuls with his wrapped hand. He holds the censer with a linen cloth and says the Prayer for the Pauline Epistle’s Raising of Incense while standing in his place, without procession or leaving the altar. During this time, one of the deacons reads the following reading from the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians.

هذا ترتيب تعمير الكأس وهو تقديم وتقديس الدم الكريم الذي لربنا يسوع المسيح كما وجد في نسخة بدير القديس مقاريوس ببرية شيهات اي ميزان القلوب. اذا عرض للكأس عارض ما يذهب ما فيه. اي اذا وجد الكأس فارغآ من الخمر لسبب كسر او شق او يكون المرفوع ماء او خلا او زيتًا او شئ من الادهان فيفرغ ما فيه بعد تغطية الجسد ووضعه عل يمين المذبح ويدع كاهن او شماس فطين يتولي حراسته و بيده شمعة ويلف الكاهن الخديم يده بلفافة مكرزه ويقدموا قاروره الخمر بعد اختبارها ويمسكها الكاهن بيده باللفافة ويرشمها كالعادة خمسة رشوم ويصبها في الكأس ويمزجها بالماء ويقول الشماس ⲉⲓⲥⲡⲁⲧⲏⲣ ويقول الكاهن صلاة الشكر الي اخرها ولا يقال ⲥⲱⲑⲉⲓⲥ ولكن يرتل الشعب ⲧⲁⲓϣⲟⲩⲣⲏ او ⲛ̀ⲑⲟ ⲧⲉ ϯϣⲟⲩⲣⲏ الي اخرها ويغطي الكاهن الكأس بالابروسفارين ويرفع البخور كالعاده خمس ايادي بالمعلقة ويده ملفوفة ويمسك المجمرة ايضا بلفافة ويقول سر بخور البولس وهو واقف مكانه من غير دورة ولا ينزل من المذبح و في ضمن ذلك يقرأ احد الشمامسة هذا الفصل من بولس الي اهل كورنثيوس الاولي الخ

The Pauline from the First Epistle to the Corinthians 11:23-27 [RSVCE]

Ⲁⲡⲟⲥⲧⲟⲗⲟⲥ ⲡ̀ⲣⲟⲥ ⲕⲟⲣⲓⲛⲑⲓⲟⲩⲥ ⲓ︦ⲁ︦:ⲕ︦ⲇ︦

البولس من رسالة كورنثوس الاولي اصحاح ١١ : ٢٤ [٢٣]

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.

ⲁⲛⲟⲕ ⲅⲁⲣ ⲁⲓϭⲓ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϩⲓⲧⲉⲛ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ⲙ̀ⲫⲏ ⲉⲧⲁⲓ ⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲉⲧⲉⲛⲑⲏⲛⲟⲩ ϫⲉ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲉ̀ϫⲱⲣϩ ⲉⲧⲟⲩⲛⲁⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧϥ ⲁϥϭⲓ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲱⲓⲕ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲁϥϣⲉⲡϩ̀ⲙⲟⲧ ⲁϥⲫⲁϣϥ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲁϥϫⲟⲥ ϫⲉ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲡⲉ ⲡⲁⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲉⲧⲟⲩⲛⲁⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲉ̀ϫⲉⲛ ⲑⲏⲛⲟⲩ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲁⲣⲓⲧϥ ⲉ̀ⲡϫⲓⲛⲉⲣⲡⲁⲙⲉⲩⲓ̀. Ⲡⲁⲓⲣⲏϯ ⲟⲛ ⲡⲓⲕⲉⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲙⲉⲛⲉⲛⲥⲁ ⲡⲓⲇⲓⲡⲛⲟⲛ ⲉϥϫⲱ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟⲥ ϫⲉ ⲡⲁⲓⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ϯⲇⲓⲁⲑⲏⲕⲏ ⲙ̀ⲃⲉⲣⲓ ⲧⲉ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲁⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲁⲣⲓⲧϥ: ⲛ̀ⲥⲟⲡ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲉⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲛⲁⲥⲱ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟϥ ⲉⲣⲉⲧⲉⲛⲓ̀ⲣⲓ ⲙ̀ⲡⲁⲙⲉⲩⲓ̀ ⲥⲟⲡ ⲅⲁⲣ ⲛⲓϥⲉⲛ ⲉⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲛⲁⲟⲩⲱⲙ ⲙ̀ⲡⲁⲓⲱⲓⲕ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲥⲱ ⲙ̀ⲡⲁⲓⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲉⲣⲉⲧⲉⲛϩⲓⲱⲓϣ ⲙ̀ⲫ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲙ̀Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ϣⲁⲧⲉϥⲓ̀ ϩⲱⲥⲧⲉ ⲫⲏⲉⲑⲛⲁⲟⲩⲱⲙ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲁⲓ ⲱⲓⲕ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉϥⲥⲱ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲁⲓⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲙⲉⲧⲁⲧⲉⲙⲡ̀ϣⲁ ⲉϥⲉϣⲱⲡⲓ ⲉϥⲟⲓⲛ̀ⲛⲟⲭⲟⲥ ⲉⲡⲓⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲓⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦

أَنَّنِي تَسَلَّمْتُ مِنَ الرَّبِّ مَا سَلَّمْتُكُمْ أَيْضاً: إِنَّ الرَّبَّ يَسُوعَ فِي اللَّيْلَةِ الَّتِي أُسْلِمَ فِيهَا أَخَذَ خُبْزاً وَشَكَرَ فَكَسَّرَ وَقَالَ: «خُذُوا كُلُوا هَذَا هُوَ جَسَدِي الْمَكْسُورُ لأَجْلِكُمُ. اصْنَعُوا هَذَا لِذِكْرِي». كَذَلِكَ الْكَأْسَ أَيْضاً بَعْدَمَا تَعَشَّوْا قَائِلاً: «هَذِهِ الْكَأْسُ هِيَ الْعَهْدُ الْجَدِيدُ بِدَمِي. اصْنَعُوا هَذَا كُلَّمَا شَرِبْتُمْ لِذِكْرِي». فَإِنَّكُمْ كُلَّمَا أَكَلْتُمْ هَذَا الْخُبْزَ وَشَرِبْتُمْ هَذِهِ الْكَأْسَ تُخْبِرُونَ بِمَوْتِ الرَّبِّ إِلَى أَنْ يَجِيءَ. إِذاً أَيُّ مَنْ أَكَلَ هَذَا الْخُبْزَ أَوْ شَرِبَ كَأْسَ الرَّبِّ بِدُونِ اسْتِحْقَاقٍ يَكُونُ مُجْرِماً فِي جَسَدِ الرَّبِّ وَدَمِهِ.

Then the celebrant or his partner [priest] says the Prayer for the Pauline Epistle:

ثم يقول الكاهن الخادم او شريكه سر البولس

“O Lord of knowledge...”

Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ϯⲅ̀ⲛⲱⲥⲓⲥ

يارب المعرفة

Then Agios, the Prayer of the Gospel, and the Psalm are said.

ثم تقال اجيوس وصلاة الانجيل والمزمار

Psalm 23:5 [LXX]

Ⲯⲁⲗⲙⲟⲥ ⲕ︦ⲃ︦

(مز ٢٢)

You have prepared a table before me in presence of them that afflict me: You have thoroughly anointed my head with oil; and Your cup cheers me like the best wine. Alleluia.

Ⲁⲕⲥⲟⲃϯ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲧ̀ⲣⲁⲡⲉⲍⲁ ⲙ̀ⲡⲁⲙ̀ⲑⲟ ⲉⲃⲟⲗ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉⲙ̀ⲑⲟ ⲛ̀ⲛⲏⲉⲧϩⲟϫϩⲉϫ ⲙⲙⲟⲓ ⲁⲕⲑⲱϩⲥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲁ ⲁ̀ⲫⲉ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲛⲉϩ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲡⲉⲕⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲉⲧⲑⲁϧⲓ ⲙⲫ̀ⲣⲏϯ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲁ̀ⲙⲁϩⲓ ⲁ︦ⲗ︦

تُرَتِّبُ قُدَّامِي مَائِدَةً تُجَاهَ مُضَايِقِيَّ. مَسَحْتَ بِالدُّهْنِ رَأْسِي. كَأْسِي رَيَّا.

The Gospel according to Matthew 26:26-29 [RSVCE]

Ⲉⲩⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗ ⲕⲁⲧⲁ ⲙⲁⲧⲑⲉ ⲡ︦ⲃ︦

من انجيل متي

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Ⲉⲩⲟⲩⲱⲙ ⲇⲉ ⲁϥϭⲓ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲱⲓⲕ ⲛ̀ϫⲉ Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉⲧⲁϥⲥ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲣⲟϥ ⲁϥⲫⲁϣϥ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉ̀ⲧⲁϥⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲛ̀ⲛⲉϥⲙⲁⲑⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲡⲉϫⲁϥ ϫⲉ ϭⲓ ⲟⲩⲱⲙ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲅⲁⲣ ⲡⲉ ⲡⲁⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉⲧⲁϥϭⲓ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉⲧⲁϥ ϣⲉⲡϩ̀ⲙⲟⲧ ⲁϥⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲛⲱⲟⲩ ⲉϥϫⲱ ⲙⲙⲟⲥ ϫⲉ ⲥⲱ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲁⲓⲁ̀ⲫⲟⲧ ⲧⲏⲣⲟⲩ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲅⲁⲣ ⲡⲉ ⲡⲁⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ϯⲇⲓⲁ̀ⲑⲏⲕⲏ ⲙ̀ⲃⲉⲣⲓ ⲉ̀ⲧⲟⲩⲛⲁⲫⲟⲛϥ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲉ̀ϫⲉⲛ ⲑⲏⲛⲟⲩ ⲛⲉⲙ ϩⲁⲛⲕⲉⲙⲏϣ ⲉ̀ⲡϫⲓⲛⲭⲁⲛⲟⲩⲛⲟⲃⲓ ⲛⲱⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ϯϫⲱ ⲇⲉ ⲙⲙⲟⲥ ⲛⲱⲧⲉⲛ ϫⲉ ⲉⲛⲛⲁⲥⲱ ⲓⲥϫⲉⲛ ϯⲛⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛ ⲡ̀ⲟⲩⲧⲁϩ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲧⲁⲓⲃⲱ ⲛ̀ⲁ̀ⲗⲟⲗⲓ ϣⲁ ⲡⲓⲉ̀ϩⲟⲟⲩ ⲉⲧⲧⲏ ϩⲟⲧⲁⲛ ⲁⲓϣⲁⲛⲥⲟϥ ⲛⲉⲙⲱⲧⲉⲛ ⲉϥⲟⲓ ⲙⲃⲉⲣⲓ ϧⲉⲛ ϯⲙⲉⲧⲟⲩⲣⲟ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲡⲁⲓⲱⲧ

وَفِيمَا هُمْ يَأْكُلُونَ أَخَذَ يَسُوعُ الْخُبْزَ وَبَارَكَ وَكَسَّرَ وَأَعْطَى التَّلاَمِيذَ وَقَالَ: «خُذُوا كُلُوا. هَذَا هُوَ جَسَدِي». وَأَخَذَ الْكَأْسَ وَشَكَرَ وَأَعْطَاهُمْ قَائِلاً: «اشْرَبُوا مِنْهَا كُلُّكُمْ لأَنَّ هَذَا هُوَ دَمِي الَّذِي لِلْعَهْدِ الْجَدِيدِ الَّذِي يُسْفَكُ مِنْ أَجْلِ كَثِيرِينَ لِمَغْفِرَةِ الْخَطَايَا. وَأَقُولُ لَكُمْ: إِنِّي مِنَ الآنَ لاَ أَشْرَبُ مِنْ نِتَاجِ الْكَرْمَةِ هَذَا إِلَى ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمِ حِينَمَا أَشْرَبُهُ مَعَكُمْ جَدِيداً فِي مَلَكُوتِ أَبِي».

During this time, the celebrant will say ⲡⲓⲣⲉϥⲱ̀ⲟⲩ ⲛϩⲏⲧ [“The Patient/Long-suffering…”] until ϧⲉⲛ ϣⲉ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲥⲉ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲙⲁⲡ [“…hundredfold, sixtyfold, and thirtyfold”] and the response is said:

اثناء ذلك يقول الكاهن ⲡⲓⲣⲉϥⲱ̀ⲟⲩ ⲛϩⲏⲧ لغاية ϧⲉⲛ ϣⲉ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲥⲉ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲙⲁⲡ ويردون المرد

We have been made worthy to eat from the tree of life, which is the Body of God and His true Blood.

Ⲁⲛⲉⲣⲡ̀ⲉⲙⲡ̀ϣⲁ ⲙ̀ⲡⲓϣ̀ϣⲏⲛ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲡ̀ⲱⲛϧ. ⲉⲑⲣⲉⲛⲟⲩⲱⲙ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧϥ ⲉⲧⲉ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲡⲉ ⲡ̀ⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲙ̀ⲫϯ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲉϥⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲁⲗⲏⲑⲓⲛⲟⲛ.

استحققنا شجرة الحياة لنأكل منها التي هي جسد الله ودمه الحقيقي

The priest prays [the three litanies]: for Peace, for the Fathers, and for the Assemblies. The Prayer of Reconciliation and its Aspasmos are said.

Ⲟⲓ̀ⲉⲣⲉⲩⲥ ϯϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏ ⲛⲓⲡⲁⲡⲁ ⲛⲓϫⲓⲛⲑⲱⲟⲩϯ ⲡⲓⲛⲁϩϯ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲧⲁⲓ ⲉⲩⲭⲏ ⲛ̀ⲁⲥⲡⲁⲥⲙⲟⲥ.

يقول الكاهن السلامة الاباء الجماعة والامانة واوشية الصلح

God and Master of everyone, make us worthy of this salvation, we who are not worthy, O lover of man. Purify us from all blemish, all guile, all hypocrisy, all malice, and the remembrance of evil entailing death. And make us all worthy, O our Master, to greet one another with a holy kiss, that we may become one body and one spirit with the bond of [perfect] love and the peace which is of Your Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom You are blessed with Him and the Holy Spirit. Now [and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.]

Ⲫϯ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲫⲛⲏⲃ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲟⲩⲟⲛ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲁⲣⲓⲧⲉⲛ ⲛ̀ⲉⲙⲡϣⲁ ⲙⲡⲁⲓⲟⲩϫⲁⲓ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲁ̀ⲛⲟⲛ ϧⲁ ⲛⲓⲁⲧ ⲉⲙⲡ̀ϣⲁ ⲡⲓⲙⲁⲓⲣⲱⲙⲓ: ⲙⲁⲧⲟⲩⲃⲟⲛ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϩⲁ ⲑⲱⲗⲉⲃ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲭ̀ⲣⲟϥ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲁⲛⲟⲩⲣⲅⲓⲁ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲛⲉⲙ ϯⲙⲉⲧⲉⲣⲫ̀ⲙⲉⲩⲓ̀ ⲛ̀ϯⲕⲁⲕⲓⲁ̀ ⲉⲧⲉⲣⲫⲟⲣⲓⲛ ⲙ̀ⲫ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲁⲣⲓⲧⲉⲛⲛ̀ⲉⲙⲡ̀ϣⲁ ⲧⲏⲣⲉⲛ ⲡⲉⲛⲛⲏⲃ ⲉⲑⲣⲉⲛⲉⲣⲁⲥⲡⲁⲍⲉⲥⲑⲉ ⲛ̀ⲛⲉⲛ ⲉⲣⲏⲟⲩ ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲫⲓ ⲉ̀ⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲉ̀ⲡϫⲓⲛⲧⲉⲛϣⲱⲡⲓ ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲱⲧ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲟⲩⲡⲛ︦ⲁ︦ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲱⲧ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲙⲟⲩⲣ ⲉⲧϫⲏⲕ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ϯⲁ̀ⲅⲁⲡⲏ ⲛⲉⲙ ϯϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲡⲉⲕⲙⲟⲛⲟⲅⲉⲛⲏⲥ ⲛ̀ϣⲏⲣⲓ Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲡⲭ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲡⲉⲛⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲉ̀ⲧⲉ ⲕ̀ⲥ̀ⲙⲁⲣⲱⲟⲩⲧ ⲛⲉⲙⲁϥ. ⲛⲉⲙ Ⲡⲓⲡⲛ︦ⲁ︦ ⲉ︦ⲑ︦ⲩ︦ ϯⲛⲟⲩ

هذه اللهم سيد كل احد اجعلنا مستحقين لهذاالخلاص نحن الغير مستحقين يا محب البشر. وطهرنا من كل دنس ومن كل غش ومن كل فعل خبيث ومن تذكار الظلم الملبس الموت واجعلنا كلنا اهلآ يا ملكنا ان نقبل بعضنا بعضا قبلة مقدسة لكي نصير جسدآ واحدآ وروحآ واحدآ برباط المحبة الكامل والسلام الذي لابنك الوحيد ربنا يسوع المسيح هذا الذي تباركت معه والروح القدس الان

The deacon says ⲁⲥⲡⲁⲍⲉⲥⲑⲉ [“Greet one another…”] and the congregation says the Aspasmos:

ثم يقول الشماس ⲁⲥⲡⲁⲍⲉⲥⲑⲉ يقول الشعب الاسبسمس

You bore Him without blemish; He gave unto us His honored Body and Blood and we live forever.

Ⲁⲣⲉⲙⲁⲥϥ ⲁϭⲛⲉ ⲑⲱⲗⲉⲃ ⲁϥϯⲛⲁⲛ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉϥⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲉϥⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲉⲧⲧⲁⲓⲏⲟⲩⲧ ⲁⲛⲱⲛϧ ϣⲁ ⲉⲛⲉϩ

ولدته بغير دنس واعطانا جسده ودمه الكريمين فحيينا الي الابد

[The priest] does not say ⲁⲝⲓⲟⲛ ⲕⲁⲓ ⲇⲓⲕⲁⲓⲟⲛ [“Worthy/Meet and Right…”] but he removes the Prosferin and says:

ولا يقول ⲁⲝⲓⲟⲛ ⲕⲁⲓ ⲇⲓⲕⲁⲓⲟⲛ بل يرفع الابروسفارين ثم يقول

Likewise also the cup, after supper, He mixed it with wine and water, and when He had given thanks — Amen — He blessed it — Amen — He sanctified it — Amen.

Ⲡⲁⲓⲣⲏϯ ⲟⲛ ⲡⲓⲕⲉⲁⲫⲟⲧ ⲙⲉⲛⲉⲛⲥⲁ ⲡⲓⲇⲓⲡⲛⲟⲛ ⲁϥⲑⲟⲧϥ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲏⲣⲡ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲟⲩⲙⲱⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲧⲁϥϣⲉⲡϩ̀ⲙⲟⲧ: ⲁⲙⲏⲛ: ⲁϥⲥ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲣⲟϥ: ⲁⲙⲏⲛ: ⲁϥⲉⲣⲁⲅⲓⲁⲍⲓⲛ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟϥ: ⲁⲙⲏⲛ

هكذا الكأس من بعد العشاء مزجها بالخمر والماء وشكر امين. وباركه. امين وقدسه. امين

He tasted and gave it also to His own holy disciples and holy [/saintly] apostles, saying: “Take, drink of it all of you, for this is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many, to be given for the remission of sins. Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Ⲁϥϫⲉⲙϯⲡⲓ ⲁϥⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲟⲛ ⲛⲏⲉ̀ⲧⲉⲛⲟⲩϥ ⲛ̀ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲑⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛ̀ⲁ̀ⲡⲟⲥⲧⲟⲗⲟⲥ ⲉ̀ⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲉϥϫⲱ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟⲥ. ϫϭⲓ ⲥⲱ ⲉ̀̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧϥ ⲧⲏⲣⲟⲩ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲅⲁⲣ ⲡⲉ ⲡⲁⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ϯⲇⲓⲁⲑⲏⲕⲏ ⲙ̀ⲃⲉⲣⲓ ⲉ̀ⲧⲟⲩⲛⲁⲫⲟⲛϥ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲉ̀ϫⲉⲛ ⲑⲏⲛⲟⲩ ⲛⲉⲙ ϩⲁⲛⲕⲉⲙⲏϣ ⲛ̀ⲥⲉⲧⲏⲓϥ ⲉ̀ⲡⲭⲱ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲛⲉⲛⲛⲟⲃⲓ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲁ̀ⲣⲓⲧϥ ⲉ̀ⲡⲁⲉⲣⲫ̀ⲙⲉⲩⲓ

وذاق و ناوله أيضآ لخواصه القديسين والرسل الاطهار قائلا خذوا اشربوا منه كلكم فهذا هو دمي العهد [للعهد] الجديد الذي يهرق عن كثيرين يعطي لمغفرة الخطايا هذا اصنعوه لذكري

Then the priest says the following prayer on the Chalice, in the same way as the Fraction:

ثم يقول الكاهن هذه الصلاة علي الكاس بطريقة القسمة

Master Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son and Logos of God the Father, who was incarnate for us without change and suffered in the flesh by His own will, while as God He cannot suffer, who gave us from His holy side the fountain of life, we ask and entreat Your goodness, [O] lover of man, for the mixture in this Chalice (1), to bless it, to sanctify it, and make it Holy Blood from Your Holy life-giving Body, which was previously sanctified, and complete It, so that they may be united, so that all who partake of It may be purified in soul, body, and spirit to be made worthy of the forgiveness of their sins. Glory be to Your holy name, and Your good Father, and the Holy Spirit, the life-giver. Make us all worthy, our Master, that we may dare with boldness, without fear, to pray to God the Father, the Pantocrator who is in the heavens, and say “Our Father…”

Ⲫⲛⲏⲃ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲡⲭ︦ⲥ︦ ⲡⲓⲙⲟⲛⲟⲅⲉⲛⲏⲥ ⲛ̀ϣⲏⲣⲓ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛ̀ⲗⲟⲅⲟⲥ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲫϯ ⲫ̀ⲓⲱⲧ: ⲫⲏⲉⲧⲁϥϭⲓⲥⲁⲣⲝ ⲉⲑⲃⲏⲧⲉⲛ ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲙⲉⲧⲁⲧϣⲓⲃϯ ⲉ̀ⲧⲁϥϭⲓ ⲙ̀ⲕⲁϩ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲉϥⲟⲩⲱϣ ϧⲉⲛ ⲧ̀ⲥⲁⲣⲝ ⲉϥⲟⲓ ⲛ̀ⲁⲧⲉⲙⲕⲁⲩϩ ϩⲱⲥ ⲛⲟⲩϯ ⲫⲏⲉⲧⲁϥϯ ⲛⲁⲛ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲉϥⲥ̀ⲫⲓⲣ ⲛ̀ⲁⲧⲑⲱⲗⲉⲃ ⲛⲟⲩⲙⲟⲩⲙⲓ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲡ̀ⲱⲛϧ ⲧⲉⲛϯϩⲟ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲧⲉⲛⲧⲱⲃϩ ⲛⲧⲉⲕⲙⲉⲧⲁ̀ⲅⲁⲑⲟⲥ ⲡⲓⲙⲁⲓⲣⲱⲙⲓ ⲉϩⲣⲏⲓ ⲉ̀ϫⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲑⲱⲧ ⲉⲧϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲁⲓ ⲁⲫⲟⲧ ⲫⲁⲓ (1) ⲥ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲉ̀ⲣⲟϥ ⲁⲣⲓⲁⲅⲓⲁ̀ⲍⲓⲛ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟϥ ⲟⲩⲟⲛϩϥ ⲉⲃⲟⲗ ⲛ̀ⲟⲩⲥ̀ⲛⲟϥ ⲉϥⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲛ̀ⲧⲁⲕ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϩⲓⲧⲉⲛ ⲡⲉⲕⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲉ̀ⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲛⲣⲉϥⲧⲁⲛϧⲟ ⲫⲁⲓ ⲉⲧⲁϥⲉⲣϣⲟⲣⲡ ⲛ̀ⲧⲟⲩⲃⲟ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉ̀ϫⲱⲕ ⲉⲃⲟⲗ ϩⲟⲡⲱⲥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉϥⲉⲣⲟⲩⲁⲓ ⲛⲉⲙⲁϥ ϩⲓⲛⲁ ⲟⲩⲟⲛ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ ⲉⲑⲛⲁϭⲓ ⲉⲃⲟⲗ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲟⲩⲃⲟ ϧⲉⲛ ⲧⲟⲩⲯⲩⲭⲏ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲟⲩⲥⲱⲙⲁ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲟⲩⲡⲛ︦ⲁ︦ ⲛ̀ⲧⲟⲩⲉⲣⲡ̀ⲉⲙⲡϣⲁ ⲙ̀ⲡ̀ⲭⲱ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ ⲛⲟⲩⲛⲟⲃⲓ. Ⲉⲩϯⲱ̀ⲟⲩ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉⲕⲣⲁⲛ ⲉ̀ⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲛⲉⲙ Ⲡⲉⲕⲓⲱⲧ ⲛⲁ̀ⲅⲁⲑⲟⲥ ⲛⲉⲙ Ⲡⲓⲡⲛ︦ⲁ︦ ⲉ̀ⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ ⲛⲣⲉϥⲧⲁⲛϧⲟ ⲁⲣⲓⲧⲉⲛ ⲛ̀ⲉⲙⲡ̀ϣⲁ ⲧⲏⲣⲉⲛ ⲡⲉⲛⲛⲏⲃ ⲉⲑⲣⲉⲛ ⲉⲣⲧⲟⲗⲙⲁⲛ ϧⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲡⲁⲣⲣⲏⲥⲓⲁ̀ ⲛ̀ⲁⲧⲉⲣϩⲟϯ ⲉ̀ⲧⲱⲃϩ ⲙⲫϯ ⲫⲓⲱⲧ ⲡⲓⲡⲁⲛⲧⲟⲕⲣⲁⲧⲱⲣ ⲉⲧϧⲉⲛ ⲛⲓⲫⲏⲟⲩⲓ̀ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲉ̀ϫⲟⲥ ϫⲉ Ⲡⲉⲛⲓⲱⲧ ⲉⲧϧⲉⲛ ⲛⲓⲫⲏⲟⲩⲓ̀

السيد الرب يسوع المسيح الابن الوحيد كلمة الله الاب الذي تجسد من اجلنا بغير تغير وتألم بارادته بالجسد وهو غير متألم كالاله الذي اعطانا من جنبه الطاهر ينبوع الحياه. نسأل ونرغب الي صلاحك يا محب البشر عن المزيج الذي في هذه الكاس باركه قدسه واظهره دما مقدسا من جسم المقدس المحي هذا لذي [الذي] سبق فتطهر وكمل لكي يصير واحدا معه لكي كل من يتناول منه يكون طاهرا في نفسه وجسده ليستحق مغفرة خطاياه مجدا لإسمك القدوس وابيك الصالح والروح القدس المحي اجلنا كلنا اهلا يا سيدنا ان تجرأ بدالة بغير خوف ان ندعوا الله الاب ضابط الكل الذي في السموات ونقول ابانا الذي في السموات

(1) Then the celebrant takes the Paten with the pure and precious Body, and moves it to its usual place. Then, he removes the linen cloth from it and cleanses it well, in case anything came on it. Then he says ⲥⲉ ⲧⲉⲛⲧϩⲟ ⲉ̀ⲣⲟⲕ ⲁⲩⲙⲟϩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ [“Yes we ask You…” [and] “The graces…”] and the Absolution to the Son as usual until its end. Or, as it was written elsewhere, he says Ⲥⲉ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ [“Yes Lord, Lord…”], then Ⲛ̀ⲑⲟⲕ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ [“You, Lord…”], and the Absolution. The deacon audibly says ⲥⲱⲑⲉⲓⲥ ⲁ̀ⲙⲏⲛ [“Saved. Amen…”] and the celebrant raises the Spatikon [i.e. the middle piece of the Eucharist] and signs with It the Blood and places It in the Chalice, as usual, while saying ⲧⲁ ⲁⲅⲓⲁ ⲧⲟⲓⲥ ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲓⲥ [ⲧⲓⲥ ⲁⲅⲏⲥ] [“The Holies are for the holy…”]. The congregation responds ⲁ̀ⲙⲏⲛ ⲉⲓⲥⲡⲁⲧⲏⲣ [“Amen, One is the Holy Father…”] until its end. Then the celebrant raises the Chalice and says the complete Confession and then ⲉⲣⲉ ⲱⲟⲩ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ [“For at all times, all glory…”]. The congregation responds ϣⲉ ⲛⲣⲟⲙⲡⲓ [“A hundred years”] and after it they say Psalm 150 Ⲁⲗⲗⲏⲗⲟⲓⲁ ⲥ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲉⲫϯ [“Alleluia. Praise God…”]. Then the celebrant distributes the Holy Mysteries as usual. Then he says the Thanksgiving Prayer and the blessing and the benediction. In this situation, it is the responsibility of the archpriest to investigate and apply punishment to the one who neglected his responsibility [towards ensuring the safety of the Chalice and its contents], according to the Holy Canons.

(١) ثم يأخذ الكاهن الصينية بالجسد الطاهر الذكي ويضعها مكانها اولا ويرفع اللفافة عنها وينظفها جيدآ لئلا يكون التصق بها شئ ثم يقول Ⲥⲉ ⲧⲉⲛϯϩⲟ ⲉ̀ⲣⲟⲕ ⲁⲩⲙⲟϩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ وبعدها تحليل الابن كالعادة الي اخره. او كما ورد في نسخ اخري يقول Ⲥⲉ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ وبعده Ⲛ̀ⲑⲟⲕ Ⲡⲟ︦ⲥ︦ ثم التحليل. ثم يصبح الشماس ⲥⲱⲑⲉⲓⲥ ⲁ̀ⲙⲏⲛ ثم يرفع الكاهن الاسباديقون ايضا ويرشم به في الدم ويضعه في الكاس كالعادة وهو يقول ”ⲧⲁ ⲁⲅⲓⲁ ⲧⲟⲓⲥ ⲁⲅⲓⲟⲓⲥ“ يجاوبوه ⲁ̀ⲙⲏⲛ ⲉⲓⲥⲡⲁⲧⲏⲣ الي اخره ثم يرفع الكاس ويقول الاعتراف بكماله وبعده ⲉⲣⲉ ⲱⲟⲩ ⲛⲓⲃⲉⲛ والشعب يقول ϣⲉ ⲛⲣⲟⲙⲡⲓ وبعدها يقولون مزمور مائه وخمسين ⲁⲗⲗⲏⲗⲟⲓⲁ̀ ⲥ̀ⲙⲟⲩ ⲉⲫϯ ثم يوزع الكاهن الاسرار المقدسه كالعاده ويقول صلاه الشكر والبركة والامر في ذلك راجع لرئيس الكهنة في الفحص علي ما اتفق والجازمة للمتهاون علي ما تقتضيه القوانين المقدسة

Source:

الخولاجى المقدس القداسات الثلاثة عربى قبطى (مصححه بمعرفة القمص عبد المسيح صليب، ١٧١٠ شهداء ١٩٩٣ ميلادية)


[1] In the Coptic Orthodox Tradition, the small pieces of the Holy Eucharist are called “jewels” (جواهر). [2] Matthew 26:26 [3] See e.g., Acts 2:2; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2, [4] William E. Addis, A Catholic Dictionary Containing Some Account of the Doctrine, Discipline, Rites, Ceremonies, Councils, and Religious Orders of the Catholic Church, “Chalice,” 139 (Harvard University, 1884). [5] Ibid., 140 [6] Hefele, “Beiträge,” ii. p. 322 seq. (See Ibid., 140) [7] Origen the Great, Homilies on Exodus 13.3 [8] Hippolytus of Rome, The Apostolic Tradition 37-38 [9] Cyril of Jerusalem, On the Mysteries 5.21

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