The Agpeya, Vol. 4

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the importance of the Agpeya, responding to objections concerning the prayer of thanksgiving, the mention of salvation, and the presence of the Virgin Mary and her titles in the prayers. He shows how the Agpeya contains a complete theological and spiritual structure.

First: Thanksgiving and salvation in the Agpeya

Some criticize the thanksgiving prayers for mentioning earthly care, claiming that salvation is overlooked. His Holiness clarifies that the Agpeya is filled with references to salvation and redemption, especially in the third, sixth, and ninth hours. The prayers clearly express the theology of the cross and redemption, such as: “You have wrought salvation in the midst of the whole earth.”

Second: Symbols of the Cross and victory over Satan

The Psalms read in the Agpeya reveal the spiritual meaning of the texts, like crushing the serpent, the dragon, and the lion, which are symbols of Christ’s victory over Satan through the Cross.

Third: The Virgin Mary in the Agpeya and her titles

His Holiness explains that the title “the gate” given to the Virgin is rooted in Ezekiel, and does not contradict Christ being “the gate” in a different sense. Other symbols like “the vine,” “the second heaven,” and “the Ark of the Covenant” have spiritual meanings. Addressing the Virgin or saints during prayer is not praying to them, but seeking their intercession, just as we address ourselves, angels, or creation in the Psalms.

Fourth: The doctrinal dimension in the Agpeya

The Agpeya is a book of faith as well as prayer. The Church connects doctrine and spirituality; therefore, the Agpeya includes doctrines such as:

• the Holy Trinity

• the eternity and divinity of the Son

• the Incarnation and redemption

• the priesthood of Christ

• the work of the Holy Spirit
  Reading John 1 in the Morning Prayer affirms the believer’s faith in the incarnate Son.

Fifth: The Agpeya as a spiritual and doctrinal school

The Agpeya strengthens the believer in faith because it continually presents pure doctrine. Whoever prays using the Agpeya grows in love, hope, and practical faith. Therefore, criticism of it arises from lack of knowledge.

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