We laid to rest, today, our beautiful angel, Sophia Cohen, after a battle with cancer in which the LORD Jesus (the true judge of our struggle) crowned her victorious! This little girl, like her Savior, showed, in her weakness, what is greater than strength—she bore her cross in total love and submission to our Creator without so much as a complaint. In essence and in appearance, she was perfected as a living icon of Christ, accomplishing in her 9 years what we will continue to strive to work towards for the remainder of our lives.
In her honor and memory, I share a Coptic canon for the funeral rite from the Coptic Psalmody:
Give rest, O Jesus, my God, • Giver of Life, to the soul of your servant, • for you are the resurrection, O Christ, • and have granted life to everyone. •
ⲇⲟⲝⲁ
“You have commanded us • to keep your precepts verily! • O that my ways may be steadfast • to keep Your statutes!” (Ps 118:4-5). • O Jesus Christ, life of the spirit(s), • grant repose to the soul of your servant • for you are the resurrection, O Christ, • and have granted life to everyone. •
ⲕⲉ ⲛⲩⲛ
By my will, I was cast out from the life of Eden, • but in your mercy, you have brought me into it, • for you are the resurrection, O Christ, and have granted life to every one. •
ⲕⲉ ⲛⲩⲛ
One dead, for a time, • him you raised on the fourth day, • as you said, “Lazarus, come forth!” • Now, also, repose the soul of your servant, • inasmuch as you alone are good • and lover of mankind, O Christ, • grant me rest in my ascent • to the principalities and the authorities.
ⲕⲉ ⲛⲩⲛ
O LORD, help me • and lead the way for me • by your holy gracious angels; • inform me of/show me the haven of safety, • and grant to me rest. •
Christ is risen, Sophie! Memory eternal, sweetie! I love you and miss you.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.