Dear Friends,

In the Armenian Church calendar yesterday was the feast of the four evangelists: Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. On this occasion we celebrate the work of these four sacred authors and literary witnesses of the Word of God.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the authors of the first four books of the New Testament and are called evangelists, from the Greek word, “Evangelion” meaning “Good News”. The English of this is “Gospel” and Armenian, “Avedis - Avedaran.” This term is used because their books proclaim the good news concerning our blessed Lord Jesus and His saving message.

In the practice of the Eastern Church these four books are held in greater regard than the other books of the Old and New Testaments. They are typically bound with an elaborate gold or silver cover, and held with a precious cloth. During the first part of the Divine Liturgy, “Liturgy of the Word,” the gospel book is carried in procession and shortly after the appointed passage is chanted from the main altar. Most of the time the gospel book is enthroned on the center of the altar and at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy the faithful one by one approach the celebrant to venerate and kiss the holy gospel as a sign of reverence and love for Jesus, the Word of God.

While the four evangelists basically narrate the same story, they diverge in literary style, chronology of events, and emphasis. Nevertheless, they agree on the most significant events of our Lord’s saving life.

The following are some brief informational notes regarding each of the gospels:

St. Matthew (Mateos) – (28 chapters) Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He is Israel’s Messiah by whom the faithful gain divine forgiveness and fellowship.

St. Mark (Margos) – (16 chapters) This is the oldest and shortest gospel. Jesus’ ministry is characterized by a succession of mighty works, signs of the presence of God’s power and kingdom. Presents a very active Jesus using the word “immediately” about forty times.
St. Luke (Ghoogas) – (24 chapters) Presents the words and works of Jesus as the divine-human savior, whose compassion and tenderness extends to all who are needy. Most detailed account of events leading up to and culminating in the birth of Jesus. Jesus’ universal mission is emphasized. Tradition informs us that Luke was a gentile convert and a physician.

St. John (Hovhaness) – (21 chapters) More than the other three gospels (synopics) John reflects on the eternal origin and divine nature of Jesus. John tends to provide deeper meaning to common symbols such as bread, water, light, life, shepherd, door, etc.

Through the intercession and prayers of the holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, may the Lord hear our prayers and save us. Amen.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
October 21, 2007