This is the third article of the series ‘Coptic Diaries’, where Marina Makary takes Egyptian Streets’ readers on a journey in the Coptic Orthodox church — its people, history, traditions, and culture. As Lent – the longest fast of the year in the Coptic Orthodox Church – approaches its end, the church begins to prepare for the holiest time of the year: Holy Week. Passion Week, more commonly known as Holy Week, is the last week of Lent, and the week that precedes Easter. With the end of Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter, the Holy Week starts, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. During this week, the church, its prayers, and worshippers are different from any other time of the year. General Funeral Since church services focus on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during Passion Week, a general funeral prayer is held following Palm Sunday mass. If a member of the community passes away during the Holy Week, they are not given a special funeral prayer service uniquely for them because the general funeral was for the entire community in attendance. The funeral signals the beginning of Holy…
