The Coptic Liturgy of Medieval Egypt (13th–15th Centuries) (DL3420A)

Content

A close reading in translation of the three main descriptions/commentaries on the Coptic eucharistic liturgy by Yuḥannā Ibn Sibā‘, Abū-l Barakāt Ibn Kabar, and Pope Gabriel V spanning the late 13th to the 15th centuries. Students will acquire an understanding of the unfolding of the Coptic liturgy and its symbolic interpretation in these crucial three centuries, which constitute the final phase in the development of the Coptic liturgy as it survives today. Reading of the original text is supplemented by a discussion of lives and times of the authors, history of Egypt at the time, and knowledge from some contemporaneous Euchologion manuscripts.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

An intermediate unit in Coptic Liturgy. An introductory unit in Coptic Liturgy is recommended but not required

Pedagogy

The unit will engage students in analysis and theological reflection through the presentation of lectures, readings and engaging discussion

Indicative Bibliography

• Brakmann, Heinzgerd. “New Discoveries and Studies in the Liturgy of the Copts (2004–2012).” In Coptic Society, Literature and Religion From Late Antiquity to Modern Times: Proceedings of the Tenth International Congress of Coptic Studies, Rome, September 17th –22nd, 2012 and Plenary Reports of the Ninth International Congress of Coptic Studies, Cairo, September 15th–19th, 2008. Edited by Paola Buzi, Alberto Camplani and Federico Contardi, pages 457–481. Vol. 1, Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta 247. (Leuven: Peeters), 2016.
• Mikhail, Maged S.A. From Byzantine to Islamic Egypt: Religion, Identity and Politics after the Arab Conquest. (London: I.B. Tauris), 2014. (recommended for purchase)
• Mikhail, Ramez. “Sources for the Study of Coptic Liturgy”. Unpublished.
• Swanson, Mark N. The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt (641-1517). The Popes of Egypt 2. (Cairo: AUC Press), 2010.
• Thomas, David and Alex Mallett, Eds. Christian-Muslim Relations. A Bibliographical History, Vol. 4 (1200–1350)., History of Christian-Muslim Relations 17 (Leiden: Brill), 2012.
• Zanetti, Ugo, “Bohairic Liturgical Manuscripts,” Orientalia Christiana Periodica 61 (1995): 65–94.
• The texts of the The Precious Jewel, The Lamp of Darkness and The Ritual Order provided in class as handouts.

Assessment