Divine Liturgy
Why is the Gospel read with candles, incense, and procession?
What The Church Is Doing Through The Gospel Procession
The Gospel is read with candles, incense, and procession because the Church receives the Gospel as the word of Christ. The movement tells the people to give attention. The candles point to the light of Christ. The incense expresses prayer, honor, and reverence before God.
This is why people stand for the Gospel. The Church listens as a worshiping body.
Let my prayer be set before You as incense.
Why Candles Are Used
Candles are not used because the church needs more light to read. They proclaim that Christ is the light of the world and that the Gospel illumines the faithful. When the Gospel is carried or read with candles, the Church is teaching through action.
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
Why Incense Is Used
Incense belongs to prayer. In Scripture, incense is connected with worship, priestly service, and the prayers of the saints. During the Gospel rites, incense is a sign of honor and prayerful attention, not a performance for the people watching.
Why There Is A Procession
Procession gives visible form to reverence. The Gospel is not treated as a private reading at a desk. It is carried and proclaimed in the assembly because Christ speaks to the Church.
How To Participate Around The Gospel Procession
Stand if you are able, listen, and let the movement gather your attention. If you do not know the responses, quietly follow the Gospel reading and ask afterward where it came from in the lectionary.
- 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.
- 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.
Incense: Fragrant offering used in worship as a biblical sign of prayer rising before God, especially around the altar, Gospel, icons, clergy, and faithful.