Worshiping the Holy Trinity in The Saint Basil Liturgy: Part I: The raising of incense service

Abstract

Churches in general, and the Coptic Church in particular, are very keen to guarantee the abidance of their members, during the liturgy, in the presence of God—The Holy Trinity, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is clearly evident upon close examination of the liturgical lyrics chanted by the priest and the congregation. Liturgies are held at the church, which is described as the “House of God.” This description serves as a reminder of the sanctity of the church where the believers stand and what their minds should be focused on, during prayer. In the church, the presence of the Holy Trinity, is acknowledged and experienced through the structure and order of the liturgy. This article examines the lyrics and the melodies used during the St Basil liturgy, according to the Coptic tradition, to demonstrate how they are directed to the Holy Trinity.