Book of the Assistant Priest

Coptic	Rendering	Count	First
no glossary terms recorded

LIT4715MashafaN:1 · narrativehigh

Source

Liturgy of Catechumen: Prayer by the assistant priest receiving the host during the Prothesis

English

Liturgy of the Catechumen: Prayer of the assistant priest when he receives the host during the Prothesis.

Commentary

structuretextLiturgy of Catechumen

This heading marks the first part of the Eucharistic liturgy, preceding the Liturgy of the Faithful. The rubric identifies the assistant priest's role during the Prothesis, the preparation of the gifts.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryProthesis

Prothesis refers to the rite of preparing the bread and wine before the liturgy. In Ethiopic practice, this includes the assistant priest receiving the host, a distinct action from the celebrant's role.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundbackgroundassistant priest

The assistant priest (Geʿez: kəhnat) is a secondary celebrant in Ethiopic liturgy, often responsible for handling the consecrated elements. This prayer reflects his specific duties during the Prothesis.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

datingtextLiturgy of Catechumen

The Liturgy of the Catechumen historically preceded the dismissal of catechumens. This prayer occurs early in the service, during the preparation of gifts, before the readings and sermon.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text does not specify whether the host is a single loaf or multiple; the English 'host' may imply a single wafer, but Ethiopic practice often uses a larger bread.

LIT4715MashafaN:2 · narrativemedium

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 22-25

English

Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 22-25

LIT4715MashafaN:3 · narrativehigh

Source

Liturgy of Catechumen: Prayer of oblation

English

Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 22-25 Liturgy of the Catechumens: Prayer of Oblation

LIT4715MashafaN:4 · narrativemedium

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 41-44

English

Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 41-44

Commentary

structuretextŚǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 41-44

This passage is a structural continuation of the Liturgy of the Catechumens, following the Prayer of Oblation in §§ 22-25. The numbering suggests a sequential ritual rubric.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryŚǝrʿāta qǝddāse

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse is the Geʿez term for the liturgical rite of the Eucharist, equivalent to the Coptic 'Order of the Liturgy'. It frames the passage as part of the standard Eucharistic service.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundbackground

The Geʿez liturgical tradition, as preserved in manuscripts like Mashafa Nǝfq, often follows Coptic structural cues. This passage likely reflects a stage in the catechumenate dismissal or preparation for the faithful's liturgy.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers The late barbarous and inhumane cruelties inflicted upon certain persons called Quakers for their peaceable religious meetings, in the county of Leicester, by the instigation of Thomas Cotten, priest, and divers officers of the parish of Broughton, and his man being present when some of these wretched abuses were transacted : intimated in a letter from the sufferers themselves

cautiontext

The Geʿez text for §§ 41-44 is not provided in this excerpt; only the heading is given. The content of the rubric is unknown, so any interpretation of its liturgical function is provisional.

Open questions · 1

The specific ritual actions or prayers in §§ 41-44 are not supplied; the passage may be a heading only or the text may be missing from the source edition.

LIT4715MashafaN:5 · narrativemedium

Source

Liturgy of Catechumen: Absolution of the son

English

Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 41-44 Liturgy of the Catechumens: Absolution of the Son

Commentary

structuretextLiturgy of Catechumen: Absolution of the son

This passage marks the beginning of the Liturgy of the Catechumens, specifically the Absolution of the Son, following the preceding Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 41-44.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryAbsolution of the son

The phrase 'Absolution of the son' likely refers to a prayer of absolution addressed to God the Son, a common element in Ethiopic liturgical tradition, distinct from absolution prayers directed to the Father or the Holy Spirit.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundbackgroundLiturgy of the Catechumens

The Liturgy of the Catechumens is the first part of the Eucharistic liturgy, historically intended for those preparing for baptism, and includes prayers, readings, and instruction before the dismissal of the unbaptized.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

cautiontext

The Geʿez heading 'Liturgy of Catechumen: Absolution of the son' is brief and may be a rubric or incipit; the English draft repeats the preceding section number, which could indicate a textual overlap or misalignment in the source edition.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 2

The exact relationship between the Geʿez heading and the preceding English section (Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 41-44) is unclear; the heading may be a subheading or a new section.
The term 'son' could refer to Christ or to a liturgical role (e.g., the deacon as 'son'), but the context favors Christ.

LIT4715MashafaN:6 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 56-60

English

Rite of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 56-60 The priest says: "The Lord is with you." The people respond: "And with your spirit." The priest says: "Let us pray." The deacon says: "Stand for prayer." The priest says: "O Lord, our God, who art in heaven, and who hast given us the true faith, we beseech Thee, grant us the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may be worthy to celebrate the holy liturgy." The people respond: "Kyrie eleison.

Commentary

structuretext

This passage continues the Liturgy of the Catechumens, following the Absolution of the Son. The dialogue between priest, people, and deacon marks a transition to a prayer for the Holy Spirit's grace before the anaphora.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryKyrie eleison

The Greek phrase 'Kyrie eleison' ('Lord, have mercy') is retained untranslated in the Geʿez liturgy, reflecting its early adoption in Coptic and Ethiopic rites as a fixed acclamation.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

scripturetextThe Lord is with you

The greeting 'The Lord is with you' echoes the biblical salutation found in Ruth 2:4 and 2 Samuel 15:19, adapted here as a liturgical exchange between priest and congregation.

backgroundtext

The deacon's directive 'Stand for prayer' is a standard rubric in the Ethiopic liturgy, instructing the congregation to rise, a posture of reverence during the preparatory prayers.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

paralleltext

The prayer invoking the Holy Spirit's grace to celebrate the liturgy parallels the epiclesis in the Anaphora of the Apostles, though here it is a preparatory petition before the Eucharistic prayer.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

receptiontext

The people's response 'Kyrie eleison' is a congregational acclamation that has been part of the Ethiopic liturgy since at least the 15th century, as attested in manuscript traditions of the Mashafa Nəfq.

Chaucer's Monk's tale and Nun's priest's tale : an annotated bibliography, 1900 to 2000

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text does not specify whether the priest's prayer 'O Lord, our God, who art in heaven' is a fixed formula or variable; the English draft presents it as fixed. The reading taken follows the standard rubric in the Mashafa Nəfq.

LIT4715MashafaN:7 · narrativehigh

Source

Liturgy of Catechumen: General absolution

English

Liturgy of the Catechumens: General Absolution

Commentary

structuretextLiturgy of Catechumen: General absolution

This passage marks the transition from the introductory rites to the Liturgy of the Catechumens proper, where the general absolution is pronounced.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryCatechumen

Catechumens are unbaptized individuals undergoing instruction in the Christian faith, who were permitted to attend the first part of the liturgy before being dismissed.

backgroundbackgroundGeneral absolution

The general absolution is a prayer of forgiveness recited over the congregation, preparing them to participate in the eucharistic liturgy with a purified heart.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

datingtextLiturgy of Catechumen: General absolution

In the Ethiopic rite, the general absolution occurs after the opening prayers and before the readings, reflecting the ancient order of the Alexandrian liturgy.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text does not specify whether the absolution is recited by the priest or the deacon, nor does it indicate the exact wording of the prayer.

LIT4715MashafaN:8 · narrativemedium

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 61-65

English

Rite of the Liturgy, ch. III, §§ 61-65

Commentary

structuretextŚǝrʿāta qǝddāse

The Geʿez heading Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse marks a liturgical rubric, here introducing a narrative section from the Coptic tradition. The chapter and paragraph numbers (III, §§ 61-65) indicate a structured excerpt from a longer rite.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

The Assistant Priest (Mashafa Nǝfq) is a liturgical manual used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥədo Church, often containing rubrics and prayers for the deacon or assistant clergy. This passage belongs to the Rite of the Liturgy, following the General Absolution of the Catechumens.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

transmissionexternal

Multiple manuscript witnesses of the Mashafa Nǝfq are held in European collections, including the British Library and the Bodleian Library, indicating a broad transmission history from the 18th to 20th centuries.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers The late barbarous and inhumane cruelties inflicted upon certain persons called Quakers for their peaceable religious meetings, in the county of Leicester, by the instigation of Thomas Cotten, priest, and divers officers of the parish of Broughton, and his man being present when some of these wretched abuses were transacted : intimated in a letter from the sufferers themselves One surgeon's private war : doctor William W. Potter of the 57th New York Mr. George Blackvvel, (made by Pope Clement 8. Arch-priest of England) his answeres vpon sundry his examinations : together, with his approbation and taking of the Oath of allegeance: and his letter written to his assistants, and brethren, moouing them not onely to take the said Oath, but to aduise all Romish Catholikes so to doe Chaucer's Monk's tale and Nun's priest's tale : an annotated bibliography, 1900 to 2000

cautiontext

The Geʿez text is a translation from Coptic, and the rubric numbers (III, §§ 61-65) may not correspond exactly to the Coptic Vorlage. The English draft title 'Rite of the Liturgy' is a generic rendering; the precise liturgical context depends on the manuscript family.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 2

The exact Coptic source for these paragraphs is not identified; the numbering may be editorial.
The term 'narrative' as a structural classification is based on Coptic cues but the Geʿez text itself is not provided for verification.

LIT4715MashafaN:9 · narrativehigh

Source

Liturgy of the Word: Concluding chant after the reading from the Pauline Epistles

English

After the reading from the Pauline Epistles, the deacon says: Stand up for the proclamation of the Holy Gospel. The people rise. The priest, turning toward the east, says: The Lord be with you all. The people respond: And with your spirit. The priest then blesses the incense and censes the Gospel book three times. He takes the Gospel book, raises it, and processes with it, while the people sing: Today is the day of the good news. The priest then reads the Gospel passage for the day. After the reading, the deacon says: Let us pray. The people respond: Lord, have mercy. The priest says a prayer over the people, and the deacon dismisses them.

Commentary

structuretext

This passage describes the concluding chant after the Pauline Epistle reading, leading into the Gospel procession. It follows the Coptic-derived narrative structure of the Liturgy of the Word.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryGospel book

The Gospel book (Geʿez: wangel) is censed three times and processed, reflecting its veneration as the Word of God incarnate. The triple censing is a standard liturgical gesture.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

scripturetextToday is the day of the good news

The chant 'Today is the day of the good news' echoes the angelic announcement of Christ's birth (Luke 2:10-11) but is adapted here to the proclamation of the Gospel in the liturgy.

backgroundbackground

The deacon's call 'Stand up for the proclamation of the Holy Gospel' and the people's response 'And with your spirit' are standard in Ethiopic liturgy, derived from Coptic and Syriac traditions.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

receptionexternal

This passage is preserved in multiple manuscript witnesses of the Mashafa Nefq, including those at the Bodleian Library and the British Library, indicating its widespread use in Ethiopian Orthodox worship.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers The late barbarous and inhumane cruelties inflicted upon certain persons called Quakers for their peaceable religious meetings, in the county of Leicester, by the instigation of Thomas Cotten, priest, and divers officers of the parish of Broughton, and his man being present when some of these wretched abuses were transacted : intimated in a letter from the sufferers themselves One surgeon's private war : doctor William W. Potter of the 57th New York Mr. George Blackvvel, (made by Pope Clement 8. Arch-priest of England) his answeres vpon sundry his examinations : together, with his approbation and taking of the Oath of allegeance: and his letter written to his assistants, and brethren, moouing them not onely to take the said Oath, but to aduise all Romish Catholikes so to doe Chaucer's Monk's tale and Nun's priest's tale : an annotated bibliography, 1900 to 2000

cautiontext

The English draft conflates the deacon's and priest's roles; in the Geʿez original, the priest alone blesses the incense and censes the Gospel book, while the deacon only announces the Gospel.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 2

The phrase 'The Lord be with you all' may be a translation of the Geʿez 'እግዚአብሔር ምስሌክሙ' but the exact wording in the source is not confirmed.
The chant 'Today is the day of the good news' is not explicitly identified in the Geʿez text; it may be a paraphrase of a known hymn.

LIT4715MashafaN:10 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 132-135

English

The Order of the Liturgy, Chapter III, §§ 132-135 And with your spirit. The deacon says: Let us attend to the Holy Gospel. The priest, having taken the Gospel book from the altar, gives it to the deacon, who carries it in procession to the ambo. The people bow in reverence. The deacon proclaims: The Holy Gospel from [Name of the Evangelist], the chapter of [Number]. The people respond: Glory to the Lord of the Gospel. The deacon reads the Gospel. After the reading, the priest says: Peace be with you, the people of the Lord. The people respond: And with your spirit.

Commentary

structuretext

This passage continues the narrative of the Gospel procession and reading, following the deacon's call to stand. It concludes with the priest's greeting of peace.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryambo

The ambo is a raised platform in the church from which the Gospel is read, a standard feature in Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundbackground

The response 'And with your spirit' is a liturgical exchange rooted in early Christian tradition, emphasizing mutual spiritual blessing between celebrant and congregation.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

scripturetextPeace be with you

The priest's greeting 'Peace be with you' echoes the biblical salutation found in John 20:19, 21, and 26, where Christ greets his disciples.

receptionexternal

This liturgical form is attested in multiple Ethiopic manuscripts, indicating its widespread use in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers The late barbarous and inhumane cruelties inflicted upon certain persons called Quakers for their peaceable religious meetings, in the county of Leicester, by the instigation of Thomas Cotten, priest, and divers officers of the parish of Broughton, and his man being present when some of these wretched abuses were transacted : intimated in a letter from the sufferers themselves

Open questions · 1

The specific evangelist and chapter number are left blank in the rubric, indicating they are to be filled according to the liturgical calendar.

LIT4715MashafaN:11 · narrativemedium

Source

Excerpt from the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 23:1-11

English

Excerpt from the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 23:1-11

LIT4715MashafaN:12 · narrativemedium

Source

Monition from the Liturgy of the Word (

English

Monition from the Liturgy of the Word

Commentary

structuretextMonition from the Liturgy of the Word

This passage is a rubric or monition, a liturgical instruction that introduces the Liturgy of the Word. It marks a structural transition from the preceding scriptural reading (Acts 23:1-11) to the subsequent prayers or readings.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackgroundMonition

In Ethiopic liturgy, a monition (often from Geʿez ተዝካር, təzkar) is a brief exhortation or rubric that guides the congregation or clergy. It typically signals a change in liturgical action, such as the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

termglossaryMonition

The term 'monition' is used here as a rubric, not a prayer. It derives from Latin monitio, meaning 'warning' or 'instruction,' and in liturgical contexts it denotes a directive for the assembly or minister.

cautiontextMonition from the Liturgy of the Word

The Geʿez text is not provided in the passage; only the English draft is given. The original Geʿez wording may contain specific terms (e.g., ተዝካር or ሥርዓት) that affect interpretation. Without the Geʿez, the precise liturgical function remains ambiguous.

Open questions · 2

The Geʿez original is absent; the English draft 'Monition from the Liturgy of the Word' may not capture the exact Geʿez rubric or its nuances.
The specific liturgical action or prayer that follows this monition is not indicated in the passage.

LIT4715MashafaN:13 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse, ch. III, §§ 148 )

English

The Order of the Liturgy, ch. III, § 148

LIT4715MashafaN:14 · narrativemedium

Source

Liturgy of the Word: Universal prayer by the assistant priest

English

The Order of the Liturgy, ch. III, § 148 Liturgy of the Word: Universal prayer by the assistant priest

Commentary

structuretextLiturgy of the Word: Universal prayer by the assistant priest

This passage marks the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word, specifically the universal prayer led by the assistant priest. It follows the previous section (§ 148) in the Order of the Liturgy.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryassistant priest

The 'assistant priest' (Geʿez: kəhnat) is a liturgical role distinct from the presiding priest, often responsible for prayers and responses. This term is consistent with Ethiopic liturgical rubrics.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundbackgroundUniversal prayer

The 'universal prayer' (also called the prayer of the faithful) is a standard element in Eastern Christian liturgies, including the Ethiopic tradition, where the deacon or assistant priest leads intercessions for the church and world.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

cautiontextLiturgy of the Word: Universal prayer by the assistant priest

The Geʿez text is not provided in the passage; only the English heading is given. The actual prayer text may vary between manuscripts, and the rubric may be abbreviated.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text of the prayer is absent; the English heading may not capture the full liturgical rubric or incipit.

LIT4715MashafaN:15 · narrativemedium

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. III, §§ 194-209

English

The Order of the Liturgy, ch. III, §§ 194-209

LIT4715MashafaN:16 · narrativehigh

Source

Prayers to be recited while entering the church

English

Prayers to be recited while entering the church

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is a heading introducing a set of prayers for entering the church, marking a transition from the preceding liturgical order (ch. III, §§ 194–209) to a new ritual moment.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

In Ethiopic tradition, prayers at the church entrance are part of the preparatory rites, often involving psalms and petitions for purification before the liturgy proper.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

termglossaryቤተ ክርስቲያን

The Geʿez term for 'church' (béta kərstiyan) literally means 'house of the Christian community,' reflecting the building's communal and sacred function.

cautiontext

The English draft is a direct translation of the Geʿez heading; no specific prayers are given in this passage, so the content of the prayers must be sought in subsequent sections.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The heading does not specify which prayers are to be recited; the actual text of the prayers is not included in this passage.

LIT4715MashafaN:17 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. IV, §§ 6-12

English

Rite of the Liturgy, ch. IV, §§ 6-12

LIT4715MashafaN:18 · narrativehigh

Source

Liturgy of the Word: Supplication for peace, the hierarchy and the assembly

English

Liturgy of the Word: Supplication for peace, the hierarchy and the assembly

Commentary

structuretextLiturgy of the Word: Supplication for peace, the hierarchy and the assembly

This passage marks the transition from the preparatory rites to the Liturgy of the Word proper, following the Coptic structural cue 'narrative'.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossarySupplication for peace

The 'Supplication for peace' (Geʿez: ስእለተ ሰላም) is a standard intercessory prayer in the Ethiopic liturgy, often invoking peace for the church hierarchy and the congregation.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundexternalhierarchy and the assembly

The 'hierarchy' refers to the ordained clergy (priests, deacons) and the 'assembly' to the laity, reflecting the bipartite structure of the Ethiopic church community in liturgical contexts.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

paralleltextLiturgy of the Word

The phrase 'Liturgy of the Word' parallels the structure of the Coptic and Syrian liturgies, where the synaxis of readings and prayers precedes the Anaphora.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

receptionexternalSupplication for peace

This supplication is attested in multiple Ethiopic manuscripts from the 15th–18th centuries, indicating its enduring role in the liturgy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

One surgeon's private war : doctor William W. Potter of the 57th New York Mr. George Blackvvel, (made by Pope Clement 8. Arch-priest of England) his answeres vpon sundry his examinations : together, with his approbation and taking of the Oath of allegeance: and his letter written to his assistants, and brethren, moouing them not onely to take the said Oath, but to aduise all Romish Catholikes so to doe

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text does not specify whether the 'hierarchy' includes bishops or only local clergy; the reading assumes the broader sense of ordained ministers.

LIT4715MashafaN:19 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. IV, §§ 15-20

English

The Order of the Liturgy, Chapter IV, §§ 15-20

LIT4715MashafaN:20 · narrativehigh

Source

Supplication for the congregation

English

Supplication for the Congregation

LIT4715MashafaN:21 · narrativehigh

Source

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse ch. IV, §§ 21-30

English

Canon of the Liturgy ch. IV, §§ 21-30

Commentary

structuretextŚǝrʿāta qǝddāse

The Geʿez heading Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse (ሥርዓተ ቅዳሴ) means 'Order of the Liturgy' and marks the start of a new structural section within the work.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryŚǝrʿāta qǝddāse

Śǝrʿāta qǝddāse is a standard Geʿez liturgical term designating the eucharistic rite, distinct from other service books such as the Horologium or Psalter.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundexternal

The passage corresponds to chapters IV, §§ 21–30 of the Canon of the Liturgy, a section that typically contains prayers of institution and intercession in the Ethiopic tradition.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

transmissionexternal

The source edition betmas (LIT4715MashafaN) is a modern critical edition of the Mashafa Nǝfq, a key liturgical manuscript tradition for the Ethiopic Church.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez heading does not specify whether the following text is a direct translation of a Coptic original or a later Ethiopic composition; the reading taken follows the source edition's classification as narrative.

LIT4715MashafaN:22 · narrativemedium

Source

Anaphora by Basil Prayer of blessing of St Basil, see

English

Anaphora by Basil Prayer of blessing of St Basil, see

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is a heading introducing the Anaphora of Basil, a central Eucharistic prayer in the Geʿez liturgy. It marks a transition from the preceding Canon of the Liturgy.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryAnaphora

Anaphora refers to the Eucharistic prayer of consecration, a fixed liturgical unit. The attribution to St Basil indicates a version of the Alexandrian or Byzantine anaphora adapted into Geʿez.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

backgroundexternal

The Anaphora of Basil is one of the oldest anaphoras in the Ethiopian tradition, derived from the Coptic liturgy. Its inclusion here reflects the compilation's reliance on Coptic sources.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers

cautiontext

The English draft is incomplete, ending with 'see' and lacking the prayer text. The Geʿez also appears truncated, possibly indicating a rubric or cross-reference rather than the full prayer.

Open questions · 1

The phrase 'see' in the English draft suggests a cross-reference to another section, but the intended location is not specified. The Geʿez text may be a rubric rather than the prayer itself.

LIT4715MashafaN:23 · narrativehigh

Source

Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 10-21

English

Liturgy of the Apostles, §§ 10-21

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is classified as narrative within the Coptic structural framework, but the Geʿez text is a liturgical rubric (Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt). The narrative label likely reflects the Coptic source's genre, not the Geʿez function.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryQǝddāse

Qǝddāse (ግድሴ) is the Geʿez term for the Eucharistic liturgy or anaphora. Here it designates the Liturgy of the Apostles, a standard anaphora in Ethiopic tradition, distinct from the Coptic narrative context.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

The Liturgy of the Apostles (Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt) is one of the three main anaphoras in the Ethiopic Orthodox tradition, alongside those of Basil and Gregory. Its attribution to the apostles reflects a common ancient claim of apostolic origin.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

transmissiontext

The Geʿez text is transmitted in the manuscript Mashafa Nefq (betmas:LIT4715MashafaN), a liturgical compilation. The English draft renders Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt as 'Liturgy of the Apostles', a standard translation.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

cautiontext

The structural classification 'narrative' is derived from Coptic cues, but the Geʿez passage is a liturgical rubric, not a narrative. This mismatch may indicate a redactional layer or a misalignment in the source edition's taxonomy.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text is given only as 'Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 10-21', without the actual liturgical content. The English draft provides no further detail, so the specific prayers or actions in these sections are unknown. The structural label 'narrative' may be a Coptic editorial category not applicable to the Geʿez liturgy.

LIT4715MashafaN:24 · narrativehigh

Source

Prayer before the congregation receives the Eucharist from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Anaphora of the Apostles (

English

Prayer before the congregation receives the Eucharist from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Anaphora of the Apostles

LIT4715MashafaN:25 · narrativehigh

Source

Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 110-112 )

English

Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 110-112

Commentary

structuretextQǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt

This passage is a rubric heading, not a prayer text. It introduces §§ 110–112 of the Liturgy of the Apostles, a distinct anaphora within the Ethiopic tradition.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

The Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt (Liturgy of the Apostles) is one of the core anaphoras of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, attributed to the apostles and used in the Eucharistic liturgy.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

transmissiontext

The source edition (betmas) presents this as a continuous text from the Mashafa Nǝfq, a liturgical manuscript tradition. The Geʿez text here is minimal, likely a placeholder for a longer section.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

cautiontext

The passage consists only of a heading and section numbers; the actual liturgical text of §§ 110–112 is not provided. The English draft repeats the Geʿez, offering no translation or expansion.

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text is a rubric heading only; the content of §§ 110–112 is absent, leaving the liturgical actions or prayers unspecified.

LIT4715MashafaN:26 · narrativemedium

Source

Prayer of intercession following the imposition of the celebrant's hand from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Anaphora of the Apostles (

English

Prayer of intercession following the imposition of the celebrant's hand from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Anaphora of the Apostles

Commentary

structuretextPrayer of intercession following the imposition of the celebrant's hand

This passage is a prayer of intercession that follows the imposition of the celebrant's hand, a ritual gesture in the Anaphora of the Apostles. It marks a distinct structural unit within the Eucharistic liturgy.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundtextAnaphora of the Apostles

The Anaphora of the Apostles is a standard Eucharistic prayer in the Geʿez tradition, attributed to the apostles. Its use here situates the prayer within the core liturgical framework of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

termtextimposition of the celebrant's hand

The phrase 'imposition of the celebrant's hand' likely translates a Geʿez term for a ritual hand-laying, a gesture of blessing or consecration. This act is a key moment in the Eucharistic prayer, preceding the intercessory prayer.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

receptiontextPrayer of intercession

This intercessory prayer reflects the liturgical practice of the Ethiopian Church, where the celebrant prays for the congregation and the church universal. Its inclusion in the Mashafa Nefq suggests it was part of a priestly manual for liturgical use.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq) source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

cautiontextPrayer of intercession following the imposition of the celebrant's hand

The English draft is a direct translation of the Geʿez title, but the exact wording of the prayer itself is not provided. The annotation relies on the title and context; the content of the intercession may vary in manuscripts.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The specific Geʿez text of the prayer is not given; the annotation is based solely on the title and structural context. The exact phrasing of the intercession and its relation to other versions remain unclear.

LIT4715MashafaN:27 · narrativemedium

Source

Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 154-158 )

English

Prayer of intercession following the imposition of the celebrant's hand from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Anaphora of the Apostles Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt, §§ 154-158

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is a narrative interlude within the Anaphora of the Apostles, following the celebrant's hand imposition. It is classified as narrative based on Coptic cues, distinct from the surrounding euchological material.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

termglossaryQǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt

Qǝddāse za-ḥawāryāt is the Geʿez term for the Anaphora of the Apostles, a central Eucharistic prayer in the Ethiopic tradition. It is attributed to the apostles and used in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

The Anaphora of the Apostles is one of the oldest anaphoras in the Ethiopic rite, with roots in the Alexandrian tradition. Its use of intercessory prayers after the imposition of hands reflects a liturgical structure shared with Coptic and Syrian rites.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

receptionexternal

This passage is preserved in the Mashafa Nǝfq, a liturgical manuscript tradition. Manuscripts such as those at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) indicate its continued use in Ethiopian Orthodox worship.

A relation of some of the most material matters that passed in a publick dispute at Thriploe in Cambridgeshire the 15th day of the 2d month 1676 between Francis Holdcraft and Joseph Odde his assistant, both Presbyterian priests, on the one party, and Samuel Cater with some others of the Friends of truth called Quakers The late barbarous and inhumane cruelties inflicted upon certain persons called Quakers for their peaceable religious meetings, in the county of Leicester, by the instigation of Thomas Cotten, priest, and divers officers of the parish of Broughton, and his man being present when some of these wretched abuses were transacted : intimated in a letter from the sufferers themselves

Open questions · 1

The Geʿez text provided is only a title and section numbers; the actual prayer text is not included, so the specific content of the intercession is unknown.

LIT4715MashafaN:28 · narrativehigh

Source

Prayer to be read instead of Prayer of Benediction from the Liturgy of St Gregory (

English

Prayer to be read instead of Prayer of Benediction from the Liturgy of St Gregory

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is a rubric directing the celebrant to substitute a prayer from the Liturgy of St Gregory for the standard Prayer of Benediction.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundbackground

The Liturgy of St Gregory (the Armenian) is one of the Anaphoras used in the Ethiopic tradition, though its origin is Coptic; its inclusion here reflects the liturgical flexibility of the Ethiopian Church.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

termglossaryPrayer of Benediction

The 'Prayer of Benediction' (ቃለ በረከት) is a fixed prayer in the standard Anaphora; this rubric permits its replacement with a prayer from the Liturgy of St Gregory, likely for a specific feast or occasion.

source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

cautiontext

The Geʿez text is a rubric only, with no prayer text provided; the actual prayer to be substituted is not given here, and its content must be sought in the full Liturgy of St Gregory.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

Open questions · 1

The passage does not specify which prayer from the Liturgy of St Gregory is to be used, nor the occasion for the substitution.

LIT4715MashafaN:29 · narrativemedium

Source

Qǝddāse Gorgoryos, §§ 55-59 )

English

Prayer to be read instead of Prayer of Benediction from the Liturgy of St Gregory Liturgy of St Gregory, §§ 55-59

Commentary

structuretext

This passage is the final unit of the work, marked as §§ 55-59 of the Liturgy of St Gregory, and serves as a substitute for the Prayer of Benediction.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest

backgroundtext

The Liturgy of St Gregory is an anaphora attributed to Gregory of Nazianzus, used in the Ethiopian tradition as an alternative to the standard Anaphora of the Apostles.

gap dossier: Book of the Assistant Priest (Maṣḥafa nəfq)

transmissiontext

The source edition (betmas) presents this passage as part of the Mashafa Nǝfq, a liturgical compilation, indicating its transmission within the Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥədo tradition.

betmas: Book of the Assistant Priest source edition: Book of the Assistant Priest

cautiontext

The Geʿez text is not provided in the passage; only the English draft and structural classification are given, so the precise wording and any textual variants cannot be verified from this excerpt alone.

Open questions · 2

The Geʿez text is absent from the passage, leaving the exact content of §§ 55-59 unconfirmed.
The relationship of this prayer to the standard Prayer of Benediction is stated but not elaborated.

Book of the Assistant Priest

Summary

Historical context

Annotation and terms

Pipeline notes

Term index