The divine essence of ‘Good’ – a comprehensive exploration of ‘aga;oc’ in Coptic Orthodox theology and worship

Abstract

The term ‘Good’ or ‘’ is a frequently used term in the Coptic Orthodox Church worship rites, by both priests and the congregation. Notably, every liturgical service within this tradition describes the goodness of God the Father. This highlights the importance of understanding the real meaning and relevance of such term. The Lord Jesus Himself affirmed this attribute when addressing the ruler and said, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God’. This depiction of God as inherently good finds its foundation in both the Old and New Testaments. Nevertheless, a comprehensive critical examination of the term ‘’ in other languages, such as English and French and so forth, fails to entirely capture its profound significance. This limitation arises from the fact that this attribute pertains to the uncreated, boundless nature of God, which surpasses human comprehension. Consequently, language constraints become apparent. Similar challenges are encountered when trying to describe other distinctive qualities of God, such as love and compassion. Despite these linguistic challenges, God out of His love for humanity bestows some of His distinctive attributes upon us through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, albeit to a limited extent. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of the term ‘’ and its theological implications, shedding light on the intricacies of describing the divine qualities inherent to God.