ABSTRACT
Coptic Orthodox spirituality is liturgically centered, Biblically based, ascetically oriented, and culminates in a life of prayer and virtuous living. Liturgy and the liturgical calendar mark the rhythm of the Coptic life and unite the Coptic community around the world. Coptic spirituality is multifaceted, as the chapters of this book demonstrate, especially those on liturgy, monasticism, and music. The Eucharistic liturgy is the focal point that feeds and is fed by the spiritual life of the faithful. In preparation for the liturgy, a Copt reflects on his or her spiritual progress or lack thereof through prayer, meditating on Scripture, fasting, and confession. Other activities, such as church or community service, are also part of the spiritual life of the average Copt. Monastic spirituality is the spring that rejuvenates all these activities. The fruit of all these diverse spiritual activities is a life of Christian virtue. Virtue is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in the Church and the life of the faithful. Coptic Orthodox spirituality stems from early Church traditions, which have been handed down from generation to generation and are manifested in present day practices. The constraints of this chapter require us to focus primarily on present day practices with limited references to their historical roots.
