The Gospel merged both the Annunciation lesson and the Passion into one. In accordance with Byzantine practice the melded text was only attributed to the first one read, in this case St. Luke.
Following the Gospel the rite turned into the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, beginning with the Litany of Fervent supplication. After Communion Great and Holy Friday services resumed and, as is the Slavic tradition, a funerary procession circled the church thrice before Christ was buried in the tomb, akin to the medieval Latin sepulcher. In the Greek and Arabic customary, the icon of Christ would have been deposed from a crucifix and laid in the epitaphios.
The priest mentions both the Annunciation and the Crucifixion in the blessing at the dismissal. After the Divine Liturgy the faithful "creep" to the tomb and prostrate before adoring the buried Savior.
What exactly do you mean by "merged"?
ReplyDeleteIt means exactly that. The Gospel readings for both the Annunciation and the Passions were read consecutively, Annunciation first.
ReplyDeleteRadTrad, my sincere thanks to you. Since I am watching the Vesperal liturgy of Holy Saturday at the moment, an anticipated joyous Pascha to you!
ReplyDelete