Divine Liturgy
What is the Pauline Epistle reading?
St. Paul In The Assembly
The Pauline Epistle is a reading from the letters of St. Paul. It is part of the Liturgy of the Word, where the Church listens to apostolic teaching before moving toward the Eucharistic prayers.
The reading may teach doctrine, repentance, church life, holiness, humility, endurance, or the meaning of salvation in Christ.
Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Why St. Paul Is Read In The Liturgy
The Eucharistic assembly is not separated from teaching. Acts describes the first believers continuing in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. The Pauline reading keeps that apostolic pattern before the Church.
How To Listen
Try to hear the reading as instruction for the whole Church, not only as information. The Liturgy reads Scripture so that the people can repent, believe, and receive Communion with understanding.
- Coptic Rites (3): Liturgy of the Word, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Teaching slides on the Pauline, Catholic Epistle, Praxis, Synaxarium, Gospel litany, Creed, and related rites.
- Why are there multiple readings during the Liturgy?, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer naming the Pauline Epistle, Catholic Epistle, Praxis, Synaxarium, and Holy Gospel as the five readings.
- Coptic Liturgies, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Overview of the Divine Liturgy, the three Coptic liturgies, and the principal parts of the Eucharistic service.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
Holy Communion: The faithful receiving the true Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, after baptismal life, repentance, confession, fasting, reconciliation, and pastoral preparation.