The Agpeya – Part 1

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains clearly the place of the Agpeya and the Hours Prayers in the Coptic Orthodox faith. He answers the objections of some denominations—especially Protestants—who reject fixed or “memorized” prayers. He clarifies that the Agpeya is not a restriction on the conscience, but a biblical and ecclesiastical teaching whose principles were established by God Himself in both the Old and New Testaments. He also explains that organized prayer preserves the spirit of communal worship, teaches humility and proper etiquette in addressing God, and helps the believer to live a continuous spiritual life.

1. Fixed prayers are a divine teaching

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the idea of fixed prayer is not an innovation; God Himself placed it through the Psalms, the order of the hours, and even the Lord’s Prayer “Our Father.” Scripture shows that God designated specific times, feasts, and organized worship.

2. The need for spiritual order

Scripture reveals that worship is not chaotic but a divine order—such as the Tabernacle made “according to the pattern,” the readings of the Sabbath, and the organized chants of the people. Communal prayer requires one voice and one spirit, which the Agpeya provides.

3. Benefit of set prayer times

Setting times for prayer prevents spiritual laziness and emptiness. The Agpeya sanctifies the day in fixed cycles, following the example of Daniel, the apostles, and the Psalms.

4. The Agpeya as a spiritual school

The Agpeya teaches the worshipper:

• humility before God,

• giving thanks before asking,

• confession and contrition,

• praise and glorification,

• prayer for others.

5. The Agpeya preserves Scripture

Repeating psalms and gospel passages causes the believer to memorize large portions of the Bible and engraves spiritual thought within him, especially the Sermon on the Mount, the psalms, and the daily gospel readings.

6. The spiritual richness of the Agpeya

It includes:

• praise,

• repentance and sorrow,

• joy and jubilation,

• requests to the Holy Spirit,

• remembrance of judgment and death,

• memories of salvation and redemption,

• prayers for the sick, the departed, and the whole world.

7. The Agpeya aligns with God’s will

All it contains—psalms, gospel readings, and prayers of the saints—is aligned with God’s will, unlike personal requests which may be misguided.

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