Comparison Between Coptic vs. Paul VI Episcopal Rites
Jul 3, 2023 11:12:42 GMT -5
wenceslav likes this
Post by Pacelli on Jul 3, 2023 11:12:42 GMT -5
The follow is the text of the Coptic Consecration rite of a bishop. After that, I am placing the 1968 consecration rite of Paul VI. The purpose of placing these one after the other is so the reader can see that they are not identical, or at least close to identical, as many have claimed. I am highlighting in blue the sections to focus on, as they make up the form. The Coptic form is much longer than what is considered the form in the 1968 rite.
There are some similarities between the rites, but they are far from identical. There are key words used in the Coptic Rite, not found in the Paul VI rite.
In a future post, I will look more into the claim by some that the form for the Paul VI rite would include all text, the first and third paragraphs, said only by the principal consecrator, and not just the middle paragraph in which the co-consecrators participate.
Source for the Coptic Rite: HERE
Source for the 1968 rite of Paul VI: HERE
Coptic Rite:
The 1968 Paul VI rite:
There are some similarities between the rites, but they are far from identical. There are key words used in the Coptic Rite, not found in the Paul VI rite.
In a future post, I will look more into the claim by some that the form for the Paul VI rite would include all text, the first and third paragraphs, said only by the principal consecrator, and not just the middle paragraph in which the co-consecrators participate.
Source for the Coptic Rite: HERE
Source for the 1968 rite of Paul VI: HERE
Coptic Rite:
RITE OF ORDINATION OF THE NEW BISHOP
+ The choir and congregation gather in the Cathedral to attend the ordination prayers and the Divine Liturgy.
+ His Holiness the Pope descends from his location, wearing his priestly vestments, also the metropolitans and bishops wear their priestly vestments, and walk in an ecclesiastical procession to the Cathedral, preceded by the deacons in two rows, with the new bishop in their middle, wearing his black monastic clothing, then two bishops, one with the lamb and the other with the wine bottle, then His Holiness the Pope holding the Cross and Copper serpent. The procession walk till the Cathedral's temple and all kneel down before the temple.
+ The new bishop with his black clothing stand inside the temple on the right of the altar.
+ His Holiness the Pope washes his hands and chooses the Lamb, lifts it on the altar, prays the Thanksgiving Prayer, reads the absolution and raises the Pauline incense.
+ Prayers continue as usual until the Praxis reading and the Synaxarium.
+ Some bishops bring the new bishop who bows for His Holiness the Pope and stands with a bowing head, in submission, before the temple, and the ordination prayers start as follows:
+ His Holiness the Pope stands before the temple and prays the Thanksgiving Prayer and raises the incense.
+ His Holiness the Pope prays this prayer"-
"O Lord God of hosts Who gave us entry to the share of this service, Who arouses human understanding, Who examines hearts and minds, accept the perfect priestly leadership of Your servant standing here awaiting Your heavenly gift. As You are merciful and gracious ".
+ The bishops partaking in the ordination surround him, and must not be less than two, and at extreme necessity there must be one bishop with the fatherly Patriarch "Every word ". From two or three witnesses". Timothy 5:19
+ The archdeacon says: "Let us all scream saying: Lord have mercy". So the congregation says: Lord have mercy.
+ The bishops complete these supplications saying: "Ask for the peace of the one, holy universal, Apostolic Church, and the salvation of people. Lord hears us. The congregation responds: Lord have mercy, and so on till the end of this supplication.
+ Then the congregation says: "Lord have mercy" (Kerye" Eleyson) fifty times.
+ The archdeacon says: O bishops lift your hands, so they lift up their hands and place them on the shoulders and arms of the new bishop.
+ The Patriarch prays facing west, while placing his hand on the head of the new bishop and says: "O Lord God the Pantocrator and Lord of all " because You are the Leader of Leaders and Lord of lords and Master of masters and King of kings. You gave the authority to the one whom you preceded and chose and granted him to loose and bind accordingly """
NOTE:
If the bishop is a Patriarch, God is the High Priest Who granted him this authority so he must live in humbleness to Him and His law, to keep His Church which is His Bride that He Purchased by His Blood.
+ One of the bishops says this prayer facing west:
"The grace giving salvation to the weak " comes upon (Name) the servant of God, the presbyter and monk who is from the monastery of ("") to be a bishop for the holy church in the city (.......) that loves Christ instead of Anba (........) who passed away to the Lord and left us a good memory. Ask all of you, and pray to the Lord, you attendants, so the grace of the Holy Spirit may dwell upon him by our saying ".. :
All the congregation and attendants say: Lord have mercy.
+ The Patriarch looks towards the east and prays saying:[8]
"Yes Lord make him worthy for Your priestly call to serve Your Name and Your Holy Altar, and shepherd Your people by purity and justice, to gain the inheritance of the saints, by the grace and compassion ".".
+ The Patriarch faces west and places his right hand on the candidate chosen for the bishopric rank and the archdeacon cries out saying: 'stand well, stand with reverence, stand quietly, stand humbly, stand fearfully".
Pray all of you with the gathering bishops.
+ The Patriarch places his hand on the chosen candidate and prays:
O existing Master and Lord God the Pantocrator ". Pour now the power of Your Holy Spirit Whom You granted to Your Holy Apostles in Your Name. Grant this same grace to Your servant ("..) whom You choose as a bishop to shepherd Your Holy flock and become a servant for You without blame and supplicate to Your goodness day and night, and gather the number of the saved, and offer oblations in the Holy Churches. Yes O Father the Pantocrator grant him through Your Christ, the unity of Your Holy Spirit to have the authority to forgive sins as a commandment of Your Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, make the choir by his authority of priesthood, loosen all the church ties, make the new houses, churches, sanctify the altars, and pleases You by meekness and humbleness of heart as he offers you blamelessly and without blemish, a holy unbloody sacrifice of the New Covenant".
+ The archdeacon says: from the Lord we ask.
+ The Patriarch completes: "Fill him Lord with the gifts of healing, and doctrine to become a guide for the blind and an enlightenment for those in darkness, teacher for the ignorant and a lamp stand for the world. Decides by the word of truth and resembles the True Shepherd who gives His life for His flock, to prepare the souls entrusted to him, and also become ready to do Your Holy Will and find the means to stand in liberty before Your awesome throne to await the great reward that you prepared for those who struggle in the missionary of the Gospel" etc".
+ The Patriarch faces east and prays saying:
"Look upon us Lord and upon our service, and purify us from all blemish. Send the grace of leadership of the priesthood upon Your flock without blemish and become responsible for Your Church as You are still merciful". etc".
+ The Patriarch faces the west and signs the candidate's head thrice saying: "We call you (Name) a bishop for the Holy Church in the city ( ".. ) that loves Christ and its suburbs " Khen Evran "Evezmaroot " Enje " Evnooti " Pi "Pantocrator.
Then he repeats the same words for the second and third signs.
+ The Patriarch signs the priestly vestments of the new bishop and dresses him up, piece by piece, by the help of the attending bishops, while saying:
Honor and glory to the Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Peace and edification for the one, holy universal, Apostolic Church of God, Amen.
+ The singers say the Holy Spirit hymn (Pi " Epnevma"..).
+ The archdeacon says some supplications and the congregation answers him saying Kerye " Eleyson, then Aksios hymn to the new bishop.
+ The Patriarch prays a thanksgiving prayer facing east and says:
"O Lord God the Pantocrator " bless this ordination of the leadership of priesthood which became for Your servant ("..). Straighten the call of his selection by purity and grace of Your Holy Spirit and choose us with him for goodness to please You, and take the reward of stewardship".. etc".
+ The Patriarch recites the following commandment to the new bishop to hear it and become committed to it.
"Dear blessed brother. This bishopric rank is great and eminent and it is shepherding God's people and His Holy flock that He bought by His Precious Blood and the leadership of priesthood and its rank and its offering" [9]
+ And God made you faithful over His Church and people, you must know the value of this grace and continue in gratitude to its gift and accomplish its duties and deeds.
+ Be humble, cheerful, merciful having peace and love.
+ Visit your congregation and shepherd them in fertile pastors or by divine spiritual doctrine.
+ Do not worry or get angry.
+ Do not get drunk or boas.
+ Do not love money but be compassionate to widows, orphans and strangers and comfort them by visitation.
+ Judge truthfully as if you stand before God and avoid hypocrisy.
+ Rebuke the sinners and teach him cheerfully.
+ Accept the repentant and do not let the weak perish.
+ Carry peoples" sins like Lord Christ Who died for every one.
+ Count your sheep and return the lost.
+ Do not be lazy in teaching your congregation.
+ Do not take simony for ordination of a priest or others[10] Act 8: 18-21.
+ Do not be dissipated and preoccupied by worldly pleasures and do not care for delicious foods.
+ Do not take a bribe to respect the sinner as bribery blind judges.
+ Do not waste the Lord's money and use it as if it is yours, but spend only what you need and become a faithful steward knowing you will account to God.
+ Give the orphans, needy and oppressed.
+ Do not follow your ideas in any of your matters.
To get the blessedness and hear the joyful voice saying: "Well done, good and faithful steward. You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord" Matthew 25:23. And the glorious God will bless you, prosper and save you and the poor miserable souls through the intercessions of the Pure Lady and all saints Amen."
+ The new bishop bows before the temple, then enters the temple by his right foot and kneels before the altar, then kisses the altar and stand at its right.
+ The Patriarch says: Eshlil, Irini Pasi. Then the Litany of the Gospel, then the Psalm and Gospel are read. The Patriarch composes a sermon and completes the Mass as usual, and the new bishop receives the Holy Mysteries.
+ After the Patriarch receives the Holy Body and the Precious Blood, and before he drinks the dismissal water, he gives the new bishop the breath of the Holy Spirit as follows:
1- He says to him: "Receive the Holy Spirit, or open your mouth wide and I will fill it" Psalm 81:10.
2- The new bishop says: "I opened my mouth and panted" Psalm 119:131
3- The fatherly Patriarch breathes into the mouth of the new bishop the breath of the Holy Spirit.
4- This is repeated three times.
+ After the Mass, a procession is made for the new bishop according to the known rite of the procession, while he is wearing the priestly vestments so his congregation may rejoice for him.
+ After the procession he undresses the white service vestments and stands before the Patriarch who is standing on the steps of his Apostolic See, to dress him the black garment and black turban specific for the bishop, and hands him the pastoral rod and cross.
+ The new bishop accepts the congratulations from the Patriarch and his fellow bishops, priests, the congregation of his diocese and it is a day of joy for everyone.
+ They celebrate a spiritual festival for three days by performing divine liturgies for three consecutive days.
+ The new bishop fasts for one whole year after his ordination, but he may unfast only in the major Lords" feasts like Christmas , Epiphany and Easter (Resurrection)[11]
+ The choir and congregation gather in the Cathedral to attend the ordination prayers and the Divine Liturgy.
+ His Holiness the Pope descends from his location, wearing his priestly vestments, also the metropolitans and bishops wear their priestly vestments, and walk in an ecclesiastical procession to the Cathedral, preceded by the deacons in two rows, with the new bishop in their middle, wearing his black monastic clothing, then two bishops, one with the lamb and the other with the wine bottle, then His Holiness the Pope holding the Cross and Copper serpent. The procession walk till the Cathedral's temple and all kneel down before the temple.
+ The new bishop with his black clothing stand inside the temple on the right of the altar.
+ His Holiness the Pope washes his hands and chooses the Lamb, lifts it on the altar, prays the Thanksgiving Prayer, reads the absolution and raises the Pauline incense.
+ Prayers continue as usual until the Praxis reading and the Synaxarium.
+ Some bishops bring the new bishop who bows for His Holiness the Pope and stands with a bowing head, in submission, before the temple, and the ordination prayers start as follows:
+ His Holiness the Pope stands before the temple and prays the Thanksgiving Prayer and raises the incense.
+ His Holiness the Pope prays this prayer"-
"O Lord God of hosts Who gave us entry to the share of this service, Who arouses human understanding, Who examines hearts and minds, accept the perfect priestly leadership of Your servant standing here awaiting Your heavenly gift. As You are merciful and gracious ".
+ The bishops partaking in the ordination surround him, and must not be less than two, and at extreme necessity there must be one bishop with the fatherly Patriarch "Every word ". From two or three witnesses". Timothy 5:19
+ The archdeacon says: "Let us all scream saying: Lord have mercy". So the congregation says: Lord have mercy.
+ The bishops complete these supplications saying: "Ask for the peace of the one, holy universal, Apostolic Church, and the salvation of people. Lord hears us. The congregation responds: Lord have mercy, and so on till the end of this supplication.
+ Then the congregation says: "Lord have mercy" (Kerye" Eleyson) fifty times.
+ The archdeacon says: O bishops lift your hands, so they lift up their hands and place them on the shoulders and arms of the new bishop.
+ The Patriarch prays facing west, while placing his hand on the head of the new bishop and says: "O Lord God the Pantocrator and Lord of all " because You are the Leader of Leaders and Lord of lords and Master of masters and King of kings. You gave the authority to the one whom you preceded and chose and granted him to loose and bind accordingly """
NOTE:
If the bishop is a Patriarch, God is the High Priest Who granted him this authority so he must live in humbleness to Him and His law, to keep His Church which is His Bride that He Purchased by His Blood.
+ One of the bishops says this prayer facing west:
"The grace giving salvation to the weak " comes upon (Name) the servant of God, the presbyter and monk who is from the monastery of ("") to be a bishop for the holy church in the city (.......) that loves Christ instead of Anba (........) who passed away to the Lord and left us a good memory. Ask all of you, and pray to the Lord, you attendants, so the grace of the Holy Spirit may dwell upon him by our saying ".. :
All the congregation and attendants say: Lord have mercy.
+ The Patriarch looks towards the east and prays saying:[8]
"Yes Lord make him worthy for Your priestly call to serve Your Name and Your Holy Altar, and shepherd Your people by purity and justice, to gain the inheritance of the saints, by the grace and compassion ".".
+ The Patriarch faces west and places his right hand on the candidate chosen for the bishopric rank and the archdeacon cries out saying: 'stand well, stand with reverence, stand quietly, stand humbly, stand fearfully".
Pray all of you with the gathering bishops.
+ The Patriarch places his hand on the chosen candidate and prays:
O existing Master and Lord God the Pantocrator ". Pour now the power of Your Holy Spirit Whom You granted to Your Holy Apostles in Your Name. Grant this same grace to Your servant ("..) whom You choose as a bishop to shepherd Your Holy flock and become a servant for You without blame and supplicate to Your goodness day and night, and gather the number of the saved, and offer oblations in the Holy Churches. Yes O Father the Pantocrator grant him through Your Christ, the unity of Your Holy Spirit to have the authority to forgive sins as a commandment of Your Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, make the choir by his authority of priesthood, loosen all the church ties, make the new houses, churches, sanctify the altars, and pleases You by meekness and humbleness of heart as he offers you blamelessly and without blemish, a holy unbloody sacrifice of the New Covenant".
+ The archdeacon says: from the Lord we ask.
+ The Patriarch completes: "Fill him Lord with the gifts of healing, and doctrine to become a guide for the blind and an enlightenment for those in darkness, teacher for the ignorant and a lamp stand for the world. Decides by the word of truth and resembles the True Shepherd who gives His life for His flock, to prepare the souls entrusted to him, and also become ready to do Your Holy Will and find the means to stand in liberty before Your awesome throne to await the great reward that you prepared for those who struggle in the missionary of the Gospel" etc".
+ The Patriarch faces east and prays saying:
"Look upon us Lord and upon our service, and purify us from all blemish. Send the grace of leadership of the priesthood upon Your flock without blemish and become responsible for Your Church as You are still merciful". etc".
+ The Patriarch faces the west and signs the candidate's head thrice saying: "We call you (Name) a bishop for the Holy Church in the city ( ".. ) that loves Christ and its suburbs " Khen Evran "Evezmaroot " Enje " Evnooti " Pi "Pantocrator.
Then he repeats the same words for the second and third signs.
+ The Patriarch signs the priestly vestments of the new bishop and dresses him up, piece by piece, by the help of the attending bishops, while saying:
Honor and glory to the Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Peace and edification for the one, holy universal, Apostolic Church of God, Amen.
+ The singers say the Holy Spirit hymn (Pi " Epnevma"..).
+ The archdeacon says some supplications and the congregation answers him saying Kerye " Eleyson, then Aksios hymn to the new bishop.
+ The Patriarch prays a thanksgiving prayer facing east and says:
"O Lord God the Pantocrator " bless this ordination of the leadership of priesthood which became for Your servant ("..). Straighten the call of his selection by purity and grace of Your Holy Spirit and choose us with him for goodness to please You, and take the reward of stewardship".. etc".
+ The Patriarch recites the following commandment to the new bishop to hear it and become committed to it.
"Dear blessed brother. This bishopric rank is great and eminent and it is shepherding God's people and His Holy flock that He bought by His Precious Blood and the leadership of priesthood and its rank and its offering" [9]
+ And God made you faithful over His Church and people, you must know the value of this grace and continue in gratitude to its gift and accomplish its duties and deeds.
+ Be humble, cheerful, merciful having peace and love.
+ Visit your congregation and shepherd them in fertile pastors or by divine spiritual doctrine.
+ Do not worry or get angry.
+ Do not get drunk or boas.
+ Do not love money but be compassionate to widows, orphans and strangers and comfort them by visitation.
+ Judge truthfully as if you stand before God and avoid hypocrisy.
+ Rebuke the sinners and teach him cheerfully.
+ Accept the repentant and do not let the weak perish.
+ Carry peoples" sins like Lord Christ Who died for every one.
+ Count your sheep and return the lost.
+ Do not be lazy in teaching your congregation.
+ Do not take simony for ordination of a priest or others[10] Act 8: 18-21.
+ Do not be dissipated and preoccupied by worldly pleasures and do not care for delicious foods.
+ Do not take a bribe to respect the sinner as bribery blind judges.
+ Do not waste the Lord's money and use it as if it is yours, but spend only what you need and become a faithful steward knowing you will account to God.
+ Give the orphans, needy and oppressed.
+ Do not follow your ideas in any of your matters.
To get the blessedness and hear the joyful voice saying: "Well done, good and faithful steward. You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord" Matthew 25:23. And the glorious God will bless you, prosper and save you and the poor miserable souls through the intercessions of the Pure Lady and all saints Amen."
+ The new bishop bows before the temple, then enters the temple by his right foot and kneels before the altar, then kisses the altar and stand at its right.
+ The Patriarch says: Eshlil, Irini Pasi. Then the Litany of the Gospel, then the Psalm and Gospel are read. The Patriarch composes a sermon and completes the Mass as usual, and the new bishop receives the Holy Mysteries.
+ After the Patriarch receives the Holy Body and the Precious Blood, and before he drinks the dismissal water, he gives the new bishop the breath of the Holy Spirit as follows:
1- He says to him: "Receive the Holy Spirit, or open your mouth wide and I will fill it" Psalm 81:10.
2- The new bishop says: "I opened my mouth and panted" Psalm 119:131
3- The fatherly Patriarch breathes into the mouth of the new bishop the breath of the Holy Spirit.
4- This is repeated three times.
+ After the Mass, a procession is made for the new bishop according to the known rite of the procession, while he is wearing the priestly vestments so his congregation may rejoice for him.
+ After the procession he undresses the white service vestments and stands before the Patriarch who is standing on the steps of his Apostolic See, to dress him the black garment and black turban specific for the bishop, and hands him the pastoral rod and cross.
+ The new bishop accepts the congratulations from the Patriarch and his fellow bishops, priests, the congregation of his diocese and it is a day of joy for everyone.
+ They celebrate a spiritual festival for three days by performing divine liturgies for three consecutive days.
+ The new bishop fasts for one whole year after his ordination, but he may unfast only in the major Lords" feasts like Christmas , Epiphany and Easter (Resurrection)[11]
The 1968 Paul VI rite:
The Principal Consecrator, the Co-consecrators, and all Bishops present impose hands on the head of the Bishop-elect, signifying that the ordination of a Bishop is a collegial act of the Order of Bishops, incorporating a new member into their community for the service of the Church.
While the Book of the Gospels is held above the head of the Bishop-elect, the Prayer of Ordination is said. This ancient prayer invokes the power of the Holy Spirit upon the Bishop-elect and recalls the importance and role of the Bishop within the Church.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
who dwell on high
and look upon the lowly,
who know all things before they come to be,
and who laid down observances
in your Church
through the word of your grace;
who from the beginning,
foreordained a nation of the just,
born of Abraham;
who established rulers and priests
and did not leave your sanctuary without ministers, and who, from the foundation of the world,
were pleased to be glorified
in those you have chosen:
All the ordaining Bishops join in the following part of the prayer:
Pour out now upon this chosen one
that power which is from you,
the governing Spirit,
whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit whom he bestowed upon the holy Apostles who established the Church in each place
as your sanctuary
for the glory and unceasing praise of your name.
who struggle in the missionary of the Gospel…etc.”
Then the Archbishop Continues Alone:
Grant, O Father, knower of all hearts that this your servant
whom you have chosen for the office of Bishop may shepherd your holy flock.
Serving you night and day,
may he fulfill before you
without reproach
the ministry of the High Priesthood;
so that, always gaining your favor,
he may offer up the gifts of your holy Church.
Grant that, by the power of the Spirit of the High Priesthood,
he may have the power to forgive sins according to your command,
assign offices according to your decree,
and loose every bond according to the power given by you to the Apostles.
May he please you by his meekness and purity of heart, presenting a fragrant offering to you
through your Son Jesus Christ,
through whom glory and power and honor are yours with the Holy Spirit
in the holy Church,
now and for ever and ever.
All answer:
Amen.
While the Book of the Gospels is held above the head of the Bishop-elect, the Prayer of Ordination is said. This ancient prayer invokes the power of the Holy Spirit upon the Bishop-elect and recalls the importance and role of the Bishop within the Church.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
who dwell on high
and look upon the lowly,
who know all things before they come to be,
and who laid down observances
in your Church
through the word of your grace;
who from the beginning,
foreordained a nation of the just,
born of Abraham;
who established rulers and priests
and did not leave your sanctuary without ministers, and who, from the foundation of the world,
were pleased to be glorified
in those you have chosen:
All the ordaining Bishops join in the following part of the prayer:
Pour out now upon this chosen one
that power which is from you,
the governing Spirit,
whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit whom he bestowed upon the holy Apostles who established the Church in each place
as your sanctuary
for the glory and unceasing praise of your name.
who struggle in the missionary of the Gospel…etc.”
Then the Archbishop Continues Alone:
Grant, O Father, knower of all hearts that this your servant
whom you have chosen for the office of Bishop may shepherd your holy flock.
Serving you night and day,
may he fulfill before you
without reproach
the ministry of the High Priesthood;
so that, always gaining your favor,
he may offer up the gifts of your holy Church.
Grant that, by the power of the Spirit of the High Priesthood,
he may have the power to forgive sins according to your command,
assign offices according to your decree,
and loose every bond according to the power given by you to the Apostles.
May he please you by his meekness and purity of heart, presenting a fragrant offering to you
through your Son Jesus Christ,
through whom glory and power and honor are yours with the Holy Spirit
in the holy Church,
now and for ever and ever.
All answer:
Amen.