About Reading the Holy Scriptures

Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified Lord. By the Cross our seal is made with boldness and Scripture reading and study is an integral part of a Christian’s prayer life. Holy Scripture is God’s revelation to man and it is through this revelation that the Christian receives guidance and direction so he or she may live a virtuous life.

The study of Holy Scripture strengthens ones faith in God, renews ones spiritual life and keeps one free from despair - the life - and soul - destroying sin. The reading and study of Holy Scripture helps the Christian to understand why the Church directs him to think and act in ways which are not always in the mainstream of secular society.

St. John of Damascus in Exposition of the Orthodox Faith tells us to search the Scriptures is a work most fair and most profitable for souls. For just as the tree planted by the channels of waters, so also the soul watered by the Divine Scripture is enriched and gives fruit in its season, viz., Orthodox belief, and is adorned with evergreen leafage, which mean actions pleasing to God. For through the Holy Scriptures we are trained to action that is pleasing to God, and untroubled contemplation. For in these we find both exhortation to every virtue and dissuasion from every vice.

It is not enough to hear the Holy Scriptures and read them at the Divine Services in church, but rather their reading and study must be a daily affair. It is with this consistent approach that we will most readily understand God’s commandments, His love, His nature and what He expects from us, His children.

Reading of Holy Scriptures may be done on an individual basis, but it is more fruitful for the family to read together the prescribed daily passages of scripture indicated on an Orthodox calendar. Reading Scripture can be done in conjunction with the family evening prayer. This practice accustoms the children to the importance of reading the inspired Word of God on a daily basis.

The Epistles, Acts of the Apostles or Old Testament readings can be done by the wife or one of the children while the reading of the Gospel should be reserved for the head of the family. At the end of the Gospel reading, all present, beginning with the head of the family, kiss the Holy Gospel to show their love and respect for the written icon of God - His words.

During the reading of the Holy Scriptures at family prayer, our physical posture should not be relaxed, but we should continue to stand erect and listen to it as we stand during prayer. Prayerfully must we be attentive to the words of Holy Scripture. Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov gives advice on the reading of the Gospel:

This attentive approach of Bishop Ignatius should be applied to all Scripture reading, not only to the reading of the Holy Gospel.

Our reception of the Word of God must be as worthy and attentive as our reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. When we are administered Holy Eucharist, we take extreme care so that the Body and Blood of Christ do not fall to the ground from our lips; likewise, we should be equally careful to see to it that the Word of God does not fall away from our thoughts, actions and words.

The person who carelessly receives the Word of God shares in the same guilt as the person who through neglect permits the Body and Blood of Christ to fall to the ground.