In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the 40-day period of seclusion and spiritual training that newly ordained priests undergo is a significant practice, particularly in America, where the church is growing and adapting to a new cultural landscape. The purpose of this training is deeply rooted in the monastic and spiritual heritage of the Coptic Church. Let's dive in.
Why 40 Days?
The number 40 holds a lot of spiritual meaning in Christian tradition. It appears frequently in the Bible—most notably in the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the desert, preparing for His ministry (Matthew 4:2), and the 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:18). The idea behind the 40-day training is for the new priest to retreat from the distractions of the world and immerse himself fully in prayer, liturgy, and the monastic life. This helps him develop the spiritual discipline and maturity needed to serve his congregation.