The Reading of the Holy Gospel: God is Speaking
The Gospel reading is the culmination of the Liturgy of the Word.
It is not read, but chanted from the elevated bema by an ordained deacon.
Before the deacon begins to chant the Gospel, the priest makes the sign
of the cross over the people, saying Khaghaghootyoon amenetsoon [Peace to
all]. An altar server advises the people to "Be attentive."
The fathers of the Armenian Church emphasize that the solemn chanting of
the Gospel during the Badarak is not only a lesson for our minds, but a
real meeting with Jesus Christ. This is why the choir proclaims, Aseh
Asdvadz [God is speaking] right before the deacon chants the Gospel.
It also explains why Park kez Der Asdvadz mer [Glory to you, O Lord our
God] is sung both before and after the Gospel is chanted [18].
>> The Nicene Creed: Our Common Faith
