Remnkemi
posted on Aug 26, 2003 - 10:02 PM
From anbageorge:This is very interesting. Can anybody please provide some more explanation about this. Why osterich feathers? Why during this part of the liturgy (kinda common sense, but every little bit helps)?
I think there are a few reasons why osterich feathers are flapped at this part of the liturgy.
Why during "Worthy and Just"
There are 2 reasons. One from the Old Testament, one from the New.
In the Old Testament
During Isaiah's commission to serve, he saw the "seraph" or Seraphim with 6 wings. We all know the story. There are 2 points we need to acknowledge.
1. Flapping their wings was the sign of praise for the Cherubim and the Seraphim. This can be found in the Monday explanation (loubsh), which say "The Cherubim and the Seraphim flap their wings saying, "This is the King of Glory who carries the sin of the world". You'll notice that whenever the Seraphim's wings are used (ie using wings to cover their face, their feet and flying with wings) in Isaiah's story, they are simultaneously praising God saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy..." There is a more ellaborate description in Ezekiel's vision of the Fiery Throne of God (Ez 1). In Ezekiel's story, whenever the 4 creatures flapped their wings (or moved together because their wings touched each other), they praised God.
2. In Isaiah's story, Isaiah acknowledges that the Lord on the throne is a king. He says, "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." So Kyrillos. You were absolutely right. In the liturgy, during this section, we are praising the King by the works he did (looking upon the lowly, creating everything, etc, and sitting on a throne...) You'll also notice that the Monday explanation also acknowledges the presence of the King.
In the New Testament
The Liturgy of St. Basil is an interpretation of Revelations. Everything in the liturgy is derived from the Coptic father's understanding of Revelations. In this particular section of the liturgy, we go to Revelations 4. It also describes Ezekiel's vision and the Lord around the Throne. It also mentions the 4 living creatures. Again in verse 8, the 4 creatures praise God saying, "You are worthy" That is why we recall the 4 living creatures during this part of the liturgy. If you remember, the priest is portraying the heavenly scene of angles and he just finished describing the Cherubim and the Seraphim. Whenever you describe these angels, you remember that they have wings and that they praise God saying, "You are worthy" or "Holy, Holy, Holy".
Why an osterich feather
This has to do with the importance of the osterich in Ancient Egyptian culture. You can see the previous forum on the osterich egg (Maybe Ramez or one of the coordinators can give us the link). In a nutshell, the osterich and the osterich eye are very important in Ancient Egypt. The osterich's eye is bigger than its brain. It's primary purpose of existence is to watch its eggs. Seeing or overseeing is the essece of the osterich's existence. This correlates to Oseris' eye and its magical powers. Oseris, the magical eye and many other Ancient Egyptian tales found many similarities in Christ and the Resurrection. The osterich egg and the osterich eye were included. If we look at Revelations 4:8 again, it says, "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings." The fathers correlated the importance of eyes (or ever-seeing) of the heavenly creatures with the osterich. Having both large wings and large eyes, they found an excellent resemblance of the Christian heavenly creatures to continue their old Ancient Egyptian cultural philosophy.
Personally, I've never seen anybody use an osterich feather. I have heard that feathers were used but now everybody uses the corporeal (silk cloth) instead.
George
Joined: Apr 07, 2003 | Posts: 796
Location: Boston, MA USA
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... We have to respect Jesus as a King as well... which reminds me of a lecture Anba Anagelos gave once to us. It was about the three wise men that visted Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem and the presents that they gave him. Why gold, myrrh and frankencense? I'll only mention Gold because it's related to this.
) Keep in mind, this is what I THINK so I'm not sure if I'm right. 
