St. Marks Coptic Church Melbourne

When Abouna selects an Qurbaan to turn into the Holy Body, he wraps it in a cloth and places the cross upside down(more of a downward angle) in between the folds of the cloth. He then holds it up above his head and walks around the Altar.

How come the Cross is held in this downward angle? and what is the significance of walking around the Altar three times?

I'm assuming it has something to do with the crucification and burial of Jesus, then the three days before rising...  

Hi PeterY,

Excellent question!
The Cross is not actually upside down, but it is held in a downward angle. When Abouna selects the 'Hamal' he wraps it in a cloth, places the Cross on this downward angle and raises it above his head and says part of a verse from John 1:29 which says (when John the baptist sees Jesus come towards him) “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Abouna holds the cross in a downward angle to symbolise the way Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha (Same downward fashion). Abouna then walks around the Altar whith the chosen Hamal and cross. This is to indicate that Jesus takes away the sins all around the world (the WHOLE world is symbolised by walking around the Altar)

God Bless You.