www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Scripture and Patristic Writings The Reading of the Gospels

During Good Friday Matins, it is the custom to read the Twelve Passion Gospels. These twelve readings include all the Passion Narratives from the four canonical Gospels. It is one of the most beautiful services. Unfortunately, some pastors do not take this wonderful and inspiring service anymore.

I would like to focus on another Byzantine tradition that allows us to listen to all of the Gospel, and that is the custom of reading the Gospels in a period of three days during Holy Week. Usually, this is done in the monasteries, but some parishes might do parts of it or all of it. The tradition has the following schedule of readings, which I take from the Typicon:

Monday:
…3rd Hour: Matthew 1:1 - 14:21
…6th Hour: Matthew 14:22 – 28:20
…9th Hour: Mark 1:1 – 8:34

Tuesday:
…3rd Hour: Mark 8:34 – 15:20
…6th Hour: Luke 1:1 – 8:39
…9th Hour: Luke 8:40 – 14:24

Wednesday:
…3rd Hour: Luke 14:24 – 24:53
…6th Hour: John 1:1 – 6:47
…9th Hour: John 6:48 – 12:50


How many of you find the 12 Gospel Passion Narratives on Good Friday inspiring? Would you rather watch the movie "Jesus of Nazareth" for six hours?

How many of you have pastors that attempt to do some or all of the pre-Passion Gospel readings Monday thru Wednesday during Holy Week?


Cantor Joe Thur
Deacon-student

[ 03-26-2002: Message edited by: J Thur ]

In our parish, we do the Mon Tue Wed reading of all Gospels.

We also do the service of the 12 Gospels during Good Friday Matins.

In Christ,

anastasios

Dear Cantor Joe,

I love the 12 Passion Gospels!

St Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain counsels Christians to daily read a portion of the Testament of Christ or Chapters 13-17 of the Gospel of John.

He calls this the "Heart of the Bible" and refers to the practice of Greek Christians of reading a portion of Scripture daily, but a portion of the Testament of Christ alongside as a separate reading.

In addition, the reading of the 4 Gospels straight through is done by some as a regular devotional exercise, like reading the Psalter or Akathists.

This leads me to the question, is such a reading a form of prayer, as is the reading of the Psalter and other services?

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Alex