Coptic Collection app for iPhone and iPad

Version 1 Release Notes:

Version 1 is intentionally limited to only 1 book (The Holy Psalmody). Version 2 of the app is currently in production which will feature a more extensive library as well enhance the performance and some known issues of the app.

Known issues: Currently the app takes a few moments to load a book as well as changing the themes and filters. We are in the process of correcting these issues for version 2.

Your feedback is welcomed.

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Coptic Collection, is a single app that includes a library of all liturgical books which offers customization whether it is for the individual reader or a large congregation. Coptic Collection enables the reader to choose from numerous Coptic liturgical books and select language (Coptic, Arabic, and English), show/hide inaudible prayers and rubrics for clergy, deacons, and the congregation.

The tedious task of delineating each prayer and hymn by language, respondent, rubric, as well as inaudible prayers has been individually entered and organized within a complex database system designed specifically for liturgical text entry. This database infrastructure is what makes the app unique by allowing us to catalogue every single element within the liturgical texts. This enhances the reading experience beyond a static display into a dynamic user-friendly presentation enabling the clergy, deacons, and congregation absolute personalization of how liturgical content is viewed. The convenience of Coptic Collection also extends to serve large congregations with the capability to use “presentation mode;” an interface optimized for large screen display when connected to a projector or other digital display device with the DVI/VGA connection.

The Coptic Collection would not have been possible if it were not for the many technological pioneers in the church who introduced big-screen PowerPoint presentations into liturgical services in order to bring prayer closer to us. Advancing beyond the current technology used in services, Coptic Collection is a single app that delivers a comprehensive library of liturgical books which empower the reader with the capability of absolute personalization. Software updates and books added to this app ensure that readers will have the latest content as we continuously add to the collection. Coptic Collection is not intended to match the welcome sensation of having a book in hand, but rather, offer a convenient and appealing means of accommodating users instead of browsing through stacks of books and tabbed pages.

Adhering to the ideology, “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it right;” Coptic Collection did not stop at just the functionality of the software. The visual presentation of Coptic Collection compliments the functionality of the app as it gives special attention to the visual design using Coptic Art, thereby ensuring the overall viewing is not only simple and functional, but also inviting.

This app is a small contribution amongst the work of many striving to advance the use of technology within the church. We are delighted to see apps similar to Coptic Collection being offered and look forward to others following suit as well as helping each other so that we can reach out to serve our Coptic community.