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In the Orthodox Church the '''the Gospel Book''' ([[Greek Language|Greek]]: Εύαγγέλιον, ''Evangélion'') is very important liturgicallya central liturgical item. It is considered to be an [[icon]] of Christ, and is [[veneration|venerated]] in the same manner as an icon.

The == Placement in the church ==Traditionally, the Orthodox will never cover the Gospel Book rests on in leather—the center skin of a dead animal—because the [[Altar]], as the [[Cross]] words of Christ was planted in the center are considered to be life-giving. Animal skins are also reminiscent of the earth. This placement Fall of the Gospel Book also represents the activity Man, when God fashioned garments of Christ at the Creation skin for Adam and Eve after their disobedience [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203:21;&version=9;(the square Altar representing the created worldGenesis 3:21)]. The Gospel rests upon the [[AntimensionApostle Paul]], which remains on the Altar at all times, as speaks of Christ will remain with the Church until the end of being the world "New Adam" [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew1%202820corinthians%2015:2022-49;&version=9; (Matthew 281st Corinthians 15:2022,47-49)], and the Orthodox understand Christ as coming to clothe mankind in the original "garments of light" which Adam and Eve lost in Paradise. Traditionally, the Gospel is covered in gold, the earthly element which is best symbolizes the glory of Heaven. If gold in unavailable, the Gospel may be covered in cloth.

The Gospel Book rests on the center of the [[altar]] table, as the [[Cross]] of Christ was planted in the center of the earth. This placement of the Gospel Book also represents the activity of Christ at the Creation (the square Altar representing the created world). The Gospel rests upon the [[antimension]], which remains on the Altar at all times, as Christ will remain with the Church until the end of the world [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:20;&version=9; (Matthew 28:20)].  *[http://en.liturgy.ru/photo/ryba.htm ''Photo of Paschal Liturgy''] ''(the Gospel Book can be seen lying on the [[Epitaphios (liturgical)|Epitaphios]])'' == Use during the Liturgy ==The [[Divine Liturgy]] begins with the priest lifting the Gospel Book high and making the sign of the cross with it over the Altar. The Gospel Book is carried in procession at specific times, accompanied by candles. The most frequent occurrence is during the Divine Liturgy when it is carried in the [[Little Entrance]]<ref>In the Greek usage, the processional cross and fans are used in the Small Entrance as well. With the Russians, the fans are usually only used when a Bishop is celebrating.</ref> which precedes the Epistle and Gospel readings. It is also carried in the Crucessions at [[Pascha]] and [[Theophany]]. After reading from the Gospel, the priest will bless the faithful with it. At Sunday [[Matins]], after the Gospel reading, all come forward to venerate the Gospel Book and receive the blessing of the priest or bishop. == Use on other Occasions==

Byzantine Style Lectionaries == Lectionary arrangement==The Gospel Book contains the readings that are arranged such that each reading used at [[Orthros]], the [[Divine Liturgy]], [[Molieben]]s, and other services. Among the Greeks the Gospel Book is laid out in order of the cycle of readings as they occur in the lectionary is printed ecclesiastical year, with a section in the order that it is read during back providing the Gospel readings for Matins, [[Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church year|Feasts]] and special occasions. In the Slavic Style Lectionaries have usage, the Gospel Text just as it is found Book contains the full text of the four Gospels in the Biblecanonical order ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]], [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], [[Gospel of John|John]]), but with notes annotations in the margins to indicate the beginning and Lectionary numberings that indicate how ending of each reading should be done, and a table of readings in the back. Occasionally it will contain pre-arranged texts of the more complex composite readings, such as the Twelve Gospels read at Matins on [[Holy Friday]]. 

[http[Wikipedia://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_Book "Gospel Book",From Wikipedia]]

== External Links links ==