Apostolos: The Liturgical Book of the Eastern Orthodox Church
In the rich tradition of Eastern Orthodox liturgy, the Apostolos serves as a vital liturgical volume. This book contains a curated collection of sacred texts traditionally attributed to the twelve apostles, the primary disciples of Jesus Christ. During a church service, a specific passage is selected from the Apostolos to be read aloud to the congregation.
The Apostolos is strategically positioned within the order of service, serving as the reading that immediately precedes the Gospel Reading, thereby preparing the faithful for the words of Christ.
Key Facts
- The Apostolos contains the Acts of the Apostles and various epistles.
- It is used specifically within Eastern Orthodox liturgical services.
- The reading from the Apostolos always occurs before the Gospel Reading.
- The term "Apostolos" refers to both the physical book and the specific text read during the service.
Contents and Liturgical Use
The primary purpose of the Apostolos is to provide the scriptural foundation for the day's service through the writings of the early church leaders. The book consists of the Acts of the Apostles (which chronicles the early history of the Christian church) and various epistles (formal letters written by apostles to early Christian communities).
Because the Apostolos is central to the worship experience, it has been a subject of significant interest for printers and scribes throughout history.
Historical Examples of Printing
Notable historical editions of the Apostolos highlight the spread of printing in Eastern Europe. For instance, Ivan Fyodorov, a pioneer of printing, published an edition of the Apostolos in Moscow in 1564.
Further evidence of this printing tradition can be seen in the 1574 edition of Ivan Fyodorov's Apostolos published in Lviv.
Summary of the Apostolos
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Content | Acts of the Apostles and various Epistles |
| Authorship | Traditionally attributed to the twelve apostles |
| Liturgical Sequence | Read immediately before the Gospel Reading |
| Dual Meaning | Refers to both the physical book and the act of reading the text |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apostolos?
The Apostolos is a liturgical book used in the Eastern Orthodox Church containing the Acts of the Apostles and various epistles believed to be authored by the twelve apostles.
When is the Apostolos read during a service?
The reading from the Apostolos takes place specifically before the Gospel Reading.
What texts are found inside the Apostolos?
It contains the Acts of the Apostles and various epistles written by the disciples.
Who was Ivan Fyodorov in relation to the Apostolos?
Ivan Fyodorov was a printer who published notable editions of the Apostolos, including a 1564 edition in Moscow and a 1574 edition in Lviv.
Does the term "Apostolos" only refer to the book?
No, the term is used to describe both the physical book itself and the specific reading of the selected text during the liturgy.