Coptic Church

I followed Sylvia to her church one day. It was not really even a church as the upper portion was not even built so the sanctuary was in a sub basment area and the upper portion was flat, quite undone but ready to continue at any time. Sylvia had said that after the church had started the building process, the Egyptian government took back their permission to build it. So there they all gathered in a basement with a roof. I did not go in at first. I was afraid, so I walked around wondering how long it would take. Sylvia said that she goes to Friday service and she only stays until she takes communion.  Sylvia stuck her head out of the church........"pssssssssssssssssst" she hissed at me, "come in dont stand there like a dummy"

I was hit by the overwhelming odor of incense. The sanctuary was filled with smoke from the incense. The whole building was packed. Even the aisles were filled. There were many men standing by the altar all wearing white robes with elaborate gold crosses embroidered on the front, crossed by a red cloth band that hung crossways from their shoulders to under their arms chests going across their chests. Some were playing the cymbals, some played the triangle, all were chanting. Their chants all ran together like a loud noisy HUM. In the center at the altar was the priest who was dressed elaborately in white with a mitre on his head was chanting “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen!.”

The people at the back just stared at me. I did not belong there. I felt terrible, out of Place, alone, and just a bit scared. A woman signaled me to come over to the women’s side of the church. I complied and stood beside her. He eyes danced as I approached but she quickly looked forward the church. I sat down, only for a second; the woman touched my arm and motioned for me to stand, so I stood. The Priest chanted, the deacons or the congregation replied while my eyes searched for Sylvia, but I did not see her. I daydreamed, lost in the feeling of calm that the church gave. I stood when they stood and sat when they sat. I even started chanting the Kyrie Eleson that they were all chanting at one point.

I woke from my daydream because something different was happening.

The Priest was now facing the crowd. He was scattering water droplets on the congregation. I could see that people were catching them. Many in the back had raised their hands and were waving at the priest to send some their way.

I tried to hide behind a very heavy woman in front of me but she moved holding her hand out to catch the blessing. The priest smiled down at me and very carefully splashed with droplets of water. His eyes were very tender, very loving and gentle. For a second our eyes connected and then he turned going back the other way.

Sylvia appeared at my side and took my hand whispering “did you get splashed?” then she said "come on and get in line with me to see the priest" 

"Do you really want me too?" I felt very out of place

Sylvia smiled. “Of course I do silly! Come on …let us break bread and receive baraka with Abuna Isaak.”

We waited in line for what seemed to be an eternity. Many people came up to me with their tiny loaves of bread (that had something stamped on it) held out for me to pinch a piece off. “Welcome” they said.

We finally reached the priest. He smiled at me. His eyes glowed. He said something in Arabic to Sylvia.

Sylvia turned to me. “Erin, this is Abuna Is-haak, that is Father Isaac in English.” She then returned the introduction, in Arabic, to the priest.

Abuna Isaak broke off a piece of his bread and hand it to me. As I shyly took the bread from him, he took my hand in his and said “Welcome Irinni.” his eyes danced and twinkled. 

I smiled because  I truly felt welcome there.

We left the sanctuary of the church and Sylvia stopped by the doors. A man was there with a box of the bread that everyone had. Sylvia gave him a couple of piasters and took 2 out of the box. She gave one to me. We walked along the road passing others who had been at church, and I go to offer them a piece. By the time we got to our street, we had finished our bread. Sylvia sighed, “You know Erin that if you share bread and salt together you will always be like family. Remember that we shared our bread today.” It was a solemn vow.

“I will remember”
“Good! I will see you in three quarters of an hour after I have changed! Ok?!”

OK! But you know Sylvia, you can say ‘in 45 minutes’ instead of ‘three quarters of an hour’”

Sylvia laughed and took off running toward her villa. She called back as she ran,,, ”it’s a direct translation from Arabic!!!!!”