the sanctuary
No one was permitted to enter the sanctuary except the servants of the altar.
Thus, the priests and deacons would partake inside the sanctuary, while the congregation would partake outside. For this reason, there were two openings in the sanctuary veil for this purpose, and through them, the communicant would feel that there was an open way leading to the Holy of Holies.
When entering the sanctuary, one steps in with the right foot first, and when leaving, he ensures that his right foot is the last to step out.
The priest offers incense before the sanctuary facing east, bowing his head in humility, saying the following words of worship:
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“We worship You, O Christ, with Your good Father and the Holy Spirit, for You have come and saved us.”
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“But as for me, in the multitude of Your mercy, I will come into Your house; I will worship toward Your holy temple.”
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“Before the angels I will sing to You, and I will worship toward Your holy temple.”
Outside the sanctuary, he also offers incense three times:
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He offers incense three times toward the northern side, where the icon of the Virgin is placed, saying: “We greet you with Gabriel, saying, Hail to you, full of grace, the Lord is with you…”
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He offers incense westward, saying: “Peace be to the hosts of angels, to my lords the apostles, to the ranks of martyrs, and to all the saints.”
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He offers incense southward, where the icon of the Baptist is placed, saying: “Peace to John, son of Zacharias, the priest, son of a priest.”
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Then he offers incense eastward toward the altar, saying: “Let us worship our good Savior, for He has had compassion upon us, came, and saved us.”
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Article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – El-Keraza Magazine – Seventh Year – Issue No. 8, February 20, 1976.
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