Fr.Elijah Fanous

(Translated excerpt from the book “Do This In Remembrance of Me” by HG Bishop Raphael)

The Holy Readings in the Divine Liturgy is not only for education but also for sanctification. This is what Severus Bishop of Ashmonin in the 10th Century CE said: “the books and the liturgy were put before the sacrifice, to sanctify and purify the spirit and the body of the believer, and then is worthy of the sacrifice.” Thus listening to the liturgical readings is a qualifier for communing of the mysteries which should not be underestimated.

This is a Biblical teaching as well: “for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:5, NKJV). Thus, both the word of God and the prayer sanctify the oblation and the people.

Thus the importance of early attendance to the Church so as not to miss this significant part of our preparation for communion. We have to listen attentively and in the spirit of prayer to the Holy Readings.

This also requires that the reader of the Biblical passages be skilful in reading, understanding what he is reading, and pronouncing the words correctly in a clear voice. A voice that is neither faint nor loud but clear: “so likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.” (1 Corinthians 14:9, NKJV)