Historical Prospective of the Liturgy

READING OF THE GOSPEL AND THE HOMILY

ipodiakonos zoran j. bobic

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

The Deacon having put aside the censer shall come to the Priest and bowing his head shall say:

• Deacon: Bless, Master, the herald of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist [Name].

The Priest signing him with the sign of the Cross shall say:

• Priest: May God through the prayers of the holy and all-glorious Apostle and Evangelist [Name] grant thee to preach the word with much power, unto the fulfilling of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And he shall give the Book to the Deacon who shall say Amen and kiss the Gospel Book and the Priest’s right hand and shall then step forth through the Holy Doors, preceded by lighted candles and go to the customary place. Then the Priest standing before the Holy Altar facing toward the west shall say:

• Priest: Wisdom. Stand steadfast. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace unto all.

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• Deacon: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. [Name]

• Priest: Let us be attentive.

And after the reading of the Gospel, the Priest shall bless the Deacon saying:

• Priest: Peace be to you, who have announced the good tidings.

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• Gospel Book is symbol of Christ himself;

• For 900 years Gospel Book was the ONLY object permitted on the altar;

• Today, only objects that are necessary for Divine Liturgy are allowed;

• Also: No Flowers (artificial or natural);

• Holy Gospel bears all the marks of special reverence;

• In the beginning it was read by lector;

• Later and gradually importance led to the higher ministers;

• In 5th century it had become the deacon’s privilege;

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• Another importance:

• Practice of bearing lighted tapers or candles;

• This practice is from 4th century;

• This was borrowed from secular custom; (Constantine time)

• Bishops were authorized to give judgments;

• Servants carried the “Book of Law”

• Proceeded by 4 torches (or candles);

• “Book of Law” – substituted by “Gospel Book”;

• Honors from the person of the Bishop to the Gospel Book itself;

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

Deacon: Bless, Master, the herald of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist [Name].

• Evidence of this is from 12th or 13th century (manuscripts);

• Deacon has mission proclaiming the Holy Gospel;

• Priest prays that deacon announce the good tidings with great strength (Acts 4:33);

Priest: Wisdom. Stand steadfast. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace unto all.

• Evidence of this is from 4th century Syria;

• Also from Apostolic Constitution Book II;

• 8th century Armenian of Chrysostom Liturgy;

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• Standing for Gospel reading is mark of respect;

• Everyone must stand and bareheaded;

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Bible References: Deuteronomy 10:12

• Before and after…;

• This formula dates back to the 8th century;

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• Jewish Sabbath = Sermon preached after the Gospel lesson;

• Lord did in Nazareth (Lk. 16-30; Mk. 6:2-4);

• Paul and Barnabas preached in synagogue at Antioch (Acts 13:14-47);

• Justin (on Sundays …);

• Origen: Let us attend to what has been read…;

• Augustine: First we have heard … then lesson;

• Bishop’s sermon was integral part of Synaxis;

• Without the liturgy was incomplete;

The rereading of the Gospel and the homily

• 4th century:

• More then one preacher;

• Bishop always spoke last;

• Bishop was always seen as the voice of authentic teaching in matters of faith;

• Bishop always preached from “cathedra”;

• Sermon is immediately after the reading of the Gospel;

• In some churches it was a rule for Bishop to hold the Gospel Book while preaching;