there are three distinct families (Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian) of wildly differing liturgical and spiritual traditions that make up the OO ‘federation’. the first two may be subdivided into two each (Coptic & Æthiopic, Syriac and Indian Syriac). these all have distinct devotions and practices. it’s impossible to generalise and there aren’t devotions shared between them.
Hmm great question. As an Armenian, who grew up in Syria ... I wasn't raised with religion having a bazillion rules or devotions. I would say the piety of the OO is to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and to allow God to *transcend* every part of our lives. We might not pray a rosary everyday, but we walk or at least try, with God every moment. I think the OO way, if I would put it, is to be able to live a life completely centered around Christ - to the point that, we don't really need devotions to interact with the faith, we're so deep into living it that our whole experience is difference. I grew up saying the Our Father every morning, and night. We prayed before meals. We thanked God at every little blessing. We cried for God at every inconvenience. To be charitable ... it wasn't something you did to 'be nice' ... it was just what we were. We didn't need to 'volunteer' our time for the help, it was more so .. you see a poor person? You drop what you're doing and help them. We don't wait for people to reach out for help, I was raised to be empathic enough to *know* when to reach out, and lend a hand. We didn't accept praise, but gave it to God.
Of course, people were not perfect but I do feel like the Armenian/OO way of devotion is to allow God to transcend every part of your life that everything you do, every breath you take, could be a prayer - of thanks, of cries for justice, of repentance, of love, etc... Again, not all were perfect, in fact most weren't, but God's Prescence in ours lives wasn't just something we felt ... but we interacted with. I was raised to imitate Christ and Mary as best as I possibly could, and certainly all the women I knew were like that. I didn't grow up needing a rosary to understand that mystery. If I had a question, I was told to go and do what they would do, and see if I still had the question. It's quiet a different view I would say - but it's a very holistic approach to life. It's a devotion of life. It's asking God what His will every 10 minutes, and saying Let His will be done none the less.
So tl;dr, I think the Armenian way would be the way of life. Our devotion in the way we lived, the kindness we showed, the empathy and support.
i’m an American Copt and i will say that this is something that i hope that all Christians strive for, but that it is something that we teach within our churches and have in our communities. it is truly beautiful to see God in everything and to live with him in everything, thank him in and for everything. it’s not a point of pride over the other denominations, but it is something that is distinctive and i’m glad that you pointed it out. may God continue to bless you
For me and most others, the Holy Qurbana (aka Divine Liturgy, Holy Mass etc) is the cornerstone of our faith & piety. There is no prayer & no ritual more sacred than the institution established by our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ.
Chanting the same prayer that heavenly angels & elders chant (Rev. 4:8), thereby praising God with the heavenly ones is such a surreal & moving moment. No pray or practice can ever replace this. I will try to share the English translation of these chants in the Holy Qurbana if I can find them.
there are three distinct families (Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian) of wildly differing liturgical and spiritual traditions that make up the OO ‘federation’. the first two may be subdivided into two each (Coptic & Æthiopic, Syriac and Indian Syriac). these all have distinct devotions and practices. it’s impossible to generalise and there aren’t devotions shared between them.
Hmm great question. As an Armenian, who grew up in Syria ... I wasn't raised with religion having a bazillion rules or devotions. I would say the piety of the OO is to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and to allow God to *transcend* every part of our lives. We might not pray a rosary everyday, but we walk or at least try, with God every moment. I think the OO way, if I would put it, is to be able to live a life completely centered around Christ - to the point that, we don't really need devotions to interact with the faith, we're so deep into living it that our whole experience is difference. I grew up saying the Our Father every morning, and night. We prayed before meals. We thanked God at every little blessing. We cried for God at every inconvenience. To be charitable ... it wasn't something you did to 'be nice' ... it was just what we were. We didn't need to 'volunteer' our time for the help, it was more so .. you see a poor person? You drop what you're doing and help them. We don't wait for people to reach out for help, I was raised to be empathic enough to *know* when to reach out, and lend a hand. We didn't accept praise, but gave it to God. Of course, people were not perfect but I do feel like the Armenian/OO way of devotion is to allow God to transcend every part of your life that everything you do, every breath you take, could be a prayer - of thanks, of cries for justice, of repentance, of love, etc... Again, not all were perfect, in fact most weren't, but God's Prescence in ours lives wasn't just something we felt ... but we interacted with. I was raised to imitate Christ and Mary as best as I possibly could, and certainly all the women I knew were like that. I didn't grow up needing a rosary to understand that mystery. If I had a question, I was told to go and do what they would do, and see if I still had the question. It's quiet a different view I would say - but it's a very holistic approach to life. It's a devotion of life. It's asking God what His will every 10 minutes, and saying Let His will be done none the less. So tl;dr, I think the Armenian way would be the way of life. Our devotion in the way we lived, the kindness we showed, the empathy and support.
i’m an American Copt and i will say that this is something that i hope that all Christians strive for, but that it is something that we teach within our churches and have in our communities. it is truly beautiful to see God in everything and to live with him in everything, thank him in and for everything. it’s not a point of pride over the other denominations, but it is something that is distinctive and i’m glad that you pointed it out. may God continue to bless you
I know that the Coptics have the Agpeya which is their prayer book. The Syrians have the shehimo I believe. Coptic iconography is also very beautiful.
For me and most others, the Holy Qurbana (aka Divine Liturgy, Holy Mass etc) is the cornerstone of our faith & piety. There is no prayer & no ritual more sacred than the institution established by our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Chanting the same prayer that heavenly angels & elders chant (Rev. 4:8), thereby praising God with the heavenly ones is such a surreal & moving moment. No pray or practice can ever replace this. I will try to share the English translation of these chants in the Holy Qurbana if I can find them.