www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy Gathering for the Gospel

At my parish (Holy Transfiguration in McLean, VA) during every proclamation of the Gospel (Matins, the Divine Liturgy, etc.) the people physically approach and fill the whole area in front of the icon screen and down the middle aisle.

It's a really nice custom.

I've not seen this in too many parishes. I have only seen it elsewhere in a few Ruthenian parishes and then only for the proclamation of the Resurrection Gospel in front of the tomb on Holy Saturday during the Vespers and Divine Liturgy.

I am excluding here the fairly uniform reading of the Resurrection Gospel at the doors of the church at Paschal Matins.

So I'm curious. Does your parish do this at Sunday Divine Liturgy? [Exclude behavior at other Divine Services for the poll.]

Gathering for the Gospel before the icon screen single choice
	Yes - The faithful generally approach the front to hear the Gospel every Sunday
	No - The faithful do not move from their places to hear the Gospel
Votes accepted starting: 02/11/19 09:41 AM
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In our community the families with small children gather at the front of the icon screen and the children and their parents kiss the gospel book after the reading of the gospel. Here are some pictures from our liturgy this week (we have Typika with Holy Communion on alternate weeks).