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Georgian Lectionary
Let me just say first off
that this is the lectionary that I've put the most time into, and perhaps
therefore have the most
familiarity with and for which I have the most affection. The process that
led to the creation of this page began in the
midst of a serious illness (adult chicken pox: both icky and dangerous),
with my checking all of the scriptural references
given by Tarchnischvili, ascertaining the corresponding NRSV citations for each.
After an initial compilation of only the
readings into an index, I decided to produce a full translation, as a companion
to the Armenian lectionaries, which are
quite similar, as mentioned below. I was also fascinated by observing the
development of the lectionary of Jerusalem.
This form of the Jerusalem lectionary, as preserved in
the Georgian tradition, dates to approximately 700 AD.
Please note that my translation was on occasion rushed, and may not be the
best, as it is based only upon the Latin
translation of the Georgian provided by Tarchnischvili for those, like myself,
who know no Georgian. Suggestions for
improvements are certainly welcome, as well as any questions, here.
This lectionary is clearly
in a relation of descent from the Jerusalem lectionary represented by the
Armenian tradition. See
my presentations of both the Renoux Armenian Lectionary
and the Conybeare Armenian Lectionary. The
Georgian Lectionary
shows an elaboration of the prescribed psalms and hymns, and an increase in the
variety of the types of those hymns. Some
include incipits which are recognizable in modern Greek Orthodox services. However, the Greek Lectionary differs
markedly
from the Jerusalem tradition. Tradition, however, indicates the origin of
the Greek Lectionary to be the Mar Saba Monastery
in the Judean desert, so similarities in hymnography may be explained by this
proximity.
The source for this
lectionary are the following volumes:
Tarchnischvili, Michel, ed. Corpus scriptorum Christianorum orientalium ;
188-189, 204-205 : Scriptores Iberici ; t. 9-10,
13-14. Le grand lectionnaire de l'ɧlise de J鲵salem
(Ve-VIIIe si裬e). Louvain : Secr鴡riat du Corpus SCO, 1959-1960.
The introduction (188/9) is in French, and the text of the lectionary (189/10,
204-205/13-14) is presented in Georgian with a
facing page Latin translation done by Tarchnischvili.
The reference numbers in
the left column are those of Tarchnischvili. Within the translation itself,
I've included scriptural
citations in square brackets, and generally dispensed with including the incipits/explicits
of the biblical texts, except in the
Psalms and Lines, where I include the incipits, and in a few cases where there
are notable differences, as in section 149, etc,
which is Heb 11.32-40 with interpolations indicating the identities of the
various martyrs. I have translated the indicator for a
response, stichus, as line, simply because the word means line
and does not always represent a response. Otherwise, most
of the liturgical hymnological terms (hypakoi, troparion, etc)
have not been translated. Regarding the mysterious term kverexi,
I have learned from email correspondence from the Rev. Dr. George A. Leylegian
of Saint Gregory Armenian Church in San
Francisco and from Hieromonk Gregory of the Xristianskij Vostok (Christian
Orient) periodical Editorial Board, that the term is
related to the Greek kêryx/kêrygma (preaching
or proclamation) and Armenian qaroz (exhortation),
and that it refers to either a
paragraph-length or antiphonal ektenia or litany, typically one being
appropriate to the place and time of use. I've thus rendered
kverexi here with litany.
Psalm
citations are given with the LXX numbering first, then with that
of the NRSV. References
to points within the
document are
also given within square brackets, utilizing the number in the
left column.
The study of this lectionary
would undoubtedly yield much information in various aspects of Jerusalem's
early Christian period.
Even immediately, in the
readings and hymns selected for the Christimas vigil, we find a fascinating
method of interpretation
of Old Testament texts at work. This method of interpretation is quite
striking, and persists throughout the lectionary. It
deserves close attention in order to determine the tie between the event and
the reading at times. Sometimes this is due
to the use of the Septuagint, which was clearly the version in use here. It's quite enjoyable to observe ancient hermeneutics
at work. The various places, processions, and churches mentioned also make this
a fascinating source for a particular time
in the history of Christians in Jerusalem, with all their long-standing
traditions and practices not yet come under Muslim
restrictions, which would eventually ban processions, and under which dominion
most of the churches mentioned in this work
would fall into ruin, never to be restored.
|
1. |
This is a rite and order of orthodox practice, as they do in Jerusalem. |
|
2. |
December 24 |
|
3. |
At the sixth hour they go out to the Sheepfold, do a litany and prayers and say hypakoi, mode 8: Glory upon the highest, and upon earth, peace [Lk 2.14]. Line: The earth has yielded her fruit...ends of the earth [Ps 66.7-8/67.6-7]. 2. hypakoi, line: Now Isaiah first said, Behold a virgin [Isa 7.14] |
|
4. |
And they
do a litany and prayers, saying a Psalm, mode 6: The Lord shepherds me,
and I will lack nothing. In a place.... [Ps 22.1-2/23.1-2] |
|
5. |
Gospel of Luke chapter: And there were shepherds in that area...as it was told to them [Lk 2.8-20] |
|
6. |
After
this they ascend to Bethlehem, enter the cave, and do the evening office. |
|
7. |
Reading in the Prophet Jeremiah [23.2-6] |
|
8. |
Reading
of Paul to the Hebrews [1.1-12] |
|
9. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [1.18-25] |
|
10. |
Hand-washing song, mode 1: The Lord is born in Bethlehem of Judea |
|
11. |
Sanctification song, mode 6: What will I offer? |
|
12. |
At midnight they begin Lines and Readings. |
|
13. |
Line 1,
mode 2: At the birth of the Lord in Bethlehem |
|
14. |
Line 2,
mode 4: Righteous ones, rejoice to heaven |
|
15. |
Line 3,
mode 5: For the grace of God has appeared for salvation [Tt 2.11] |
|
16. |
Line 4,
mode 5: Fulfilled is the word of the Prophets |
|
17. |
Line 5,
mode 5: Let us look into the cave, into the manger |
|
18. |
Line 6,
mode 8: Today the heavens exult and rejoice |
|
19. |
Line 7,
mode 8: From where have you come, Magi? |
|
20. |
Line 8,
mode 3: One born from a virgin |
|
21. |
Line 9,
mode 8: On Christ shine the stars |
|
22. |
Line 10,
mode 2: King of the Jews and Savior |
|
23. |
Line 11,
mode 6: The city which You loved |
|
24. |
After
this they say a Psalm: Rise, Lord from rest [Ps 131.8/132.8] |
|
25. |
Gospel of
Luke chapter [2.1-7] |
|
26. |
For the
Liturgy, the same troparion: All creatures |
|
27. |
Reading, Proverbs [8.22-31] |
|
28. |
Reading 2, the Prophet Daniel [2.34-35] |
|
29. |
Reading
3, Paul to the Hebrews [1.1-12] |
|
30. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [2.1-33] |
|
31. |
Say all the Handwashing and Sanctification songs of the previous day. |
|
32. |
December 26. Synaxis in Sion. Commemoration of David, and James the brother of the Lord |
|
33. |
For
the evening office, troparion, mode 1: Come! |
|
34. |
For
Liturgy, Psalm, mode 1: God magnifies the salvations of his king [Ps
17.51/18.50] |
|
35. |
First Reading, Kings [2Sam 5.1-10] |
|
36. |
Reading 2, Acts of the Holy Apostles [15.13-29] |
|
37. |
Reading 3, General Letter of James [1.1-12] |
|
38. |
Reading
4, Paul to the Galatians [1.11-20] |
|
39. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [22.41-46] |
|
40. |
Handwashing song, mode 5: Sanctified priests |
|
41. |
Sanctification song: Body of the Lord, blood |
|
42. |
December
27. Synaxis in Sion, in the Diakonikon. Commemoration of Saint
Stephen |
|
43. |
Reading 1, Acts of the Holy Apostles [6.8-8.2] |
|
44. |
Reading
2, Paul to the Corinthians [2Cor 4.7-15] |
|
45. |
Gospel of John chapter [12.24-41] |
|
46. |
Handwashing song, mode 8: They will say in the Lord, Stephen |
|
47. |
December
28. Apostles Peter and Paul. |
|
48. |
Reading 1, General Letter of Peter [2Pt 1.12-18] |
|
49. |
Reading
2, Paul to Timothy [2Tim 4.1-8] |
|
50. |
Gospel of John chapter [21.15-19] |
|
51. |
Handwashing song, mode 4: Apostles and martyrs |
|
52. |
Sanctification song, mode 8: The assembly of angels glorify you |
|
53. |
December
29. Apostle James, and John the Evangelist |
|
54. |
First reading, Acts of the Holy Apostles [12.1-17] |
|
55. |
Reading
2, General Letter of John [1Jn 1.1-10] |
|
56. |
Gospel of John chapter [21.20-25] |
|
57. |
Handwashing song, mode 2: You have magnified salvation in the world |
|
58. |
Sanctification song: God reigns over the nations [Ps 46.9/47.8] |
|
59. |
December
30. At the Holy Mount of Olives. |
|
60. |
Reading,
Paul to the Hebrews [12.18-28] |
|
61. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [1.39-56] |
|
62. |
December
31. Commemoration of Zotikos, nourisher of orphans. |
|
63. |
Reading, Paul to the Romans [1.1-17] |
|
64. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [2.3-14] |
|
65. |
January
1. Beginning of the year, and the Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus
Christ. |
|
66. |
All the
rest of Basil's [refers to the Commemoration of Saint Basil the Archbishop of
Caesarea in Cappadocia, which is missing in the mss]. |
|
67. |
For Liturgy, Troparion, mode 5: Splendid are the dwellings |
|
68. |
First Reading, Proverbs [10.20-25] |
|
69. |
Reading 2, the Prophet Malachi [2.3-7] |
|
70. |
Reading
3, Paul to the Hebrews [13.7-16] |
|
71. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [13.44-52] |
|
72. |
Handwashing song, mode 5: Blessed are your dwellings |
|
73. |
Sanctification song: The people stand before |
|
74. |
January
2. Saint Sylvester, Archbishop, and Matthew, Monk |
|
75. |
Reading, Paul to the Romans [15.1-13] |
|
76. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [13.1-9] |
|
77. |
January
3. Abba Melito, Hegumen of St. Saba |
|
78. |
Reading, Paul to the Romans [15.14-33] |
|
79. |
Gospel of Mark chapter [4.10-23] |
|
80. |
January
4. Abba John the Scholar. |
|
81. |
Reading, Paul to the Corinthians [2Cor 8.1-9] |
|
82. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [21.12-19] |
|
83. |
[EPIPHANY] |
|
84. |
Reading
1, the Prophet Ezra [4Ezra 5.22-30] |
|
85. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [3.1-18] |
|
86. |
And they
begin to sing: Lord, I have cried out [Ps 140.1/141.1], and enter the
church. |
|
87. |
First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah [1.16-20] |
|
88. |
Reading 2, Paul to the Corinthians [1Cor 10.1-4] |
|
89. |
Gospel of Mark chapter [1.1-11] |
|
90. |
Handwashing song, mode 2: Illumine our hearts, Illuminator |
|
91. |
Sanctification song, mode 2: The waters saw You [Ps 76.17/77.16] |
|
92. |
After
mass, they go out for the Blessing of Waters, saying this hypakoi, mode 8: |
|
93. |
Reading,
the Prophet Isaiah [12.1-6] |
|
94. |
Gospel of Mark chapter [1.9-11?] |
|
95. |
When they
have entered from the Blessing of Waters, they say this hypakoi, mode 8: |
|
96. |
At midnight they begin to read these Lines and Readings |
|
97. |
Line 1,
mode 2: When he was sent |
|
98. |
Line 2,
mode 2: John stood at the Jordan |
|
99. |
Line 3,
mode 2: Today joy is made complete |
|
100. |
Line 4,
mode 2: Fear grips the Forerunner |
|
101. |
Line 5, mode
2: When he saw
the image of a dove |
|
102. |
Line 6, mode
5: From the
Father the Holy Spirit descends |
|
103. |
Line
7, mode 2: God made man by a servant baptized |
|
104. |
Line 8, mode 2: We praise you,
God, who have come to your creatures |
|
105. |
Line
9, mode 2: You descended over the Jordan |
|
106. |
Line
10, mode 5: From the highest he was sent |
|
107. |
Gospel of John chapter [1.18-28] |
|
108. |
For
Liturgy, Troparion, mode 1: Mystery of providence |
|
109. |
First Reading, Kings [2Kgs 5.9-15] |
|
110. |
Reading 2, Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach [24.32-25.1] |
|
111. |
Reading 3, the Prophet Jeremiah [50.44-46] |
|
112. |
Reading 4, the Prophet Ezekiel [47.1-9] |
|
113. |
Reading
5, Paul to Titus [2.11-15] |
|
114. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [3.1-17] |
|
115. |
Handwashing song, mode 7: Great mystery of providence |
|
116. |
Sanctification
song, mode 6(?): You, Christ, have accepted baptism |
|
117. |
DAY
2. Synaxis in Anastasis. |
|
118. |
The
same day, the commemoration of the holy martyr Abo. |
|
119. |
Reading,
Paul to Titus [3.4-7] |
|
120. |
Gospel of John chapter [3.1-12] |
|
121. |
DAY
3. Synaxis in Sion. |
|
122. |
Reading,
Paul to the Romans [6.3-11] |
|
123. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [3.21-22] |
|
124. |
DAY
4. Synaxis in Saint Mary |
|
125. |
Reading,
Paul to the Galatians [3.24-4.7] |
|
126. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [3.1-8] |
|
127. |
DAY
5. Synaxis in Saint John. |
|
128. |
Reading,
Paul to the Ephesians [4.1-16] |
|
129. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [3.1-12] |
|
130. |
DAY
6. Synaxis in Saint Stephen. |
|
131. |
Reading,
Paul to the Colossians [2.8-15] |
|
132. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [3.1-18] |
|
133. |
DAY
7. Synaxis in Golgotha. |
|
134. |
Reading,
Paul to the Hebrews [10.19-25] |
|
135. |
Gospel of John chapter [1.18-28] |
|
136. |
DAY
8. Synaxis in Holy Anastasis. |
|
137. |
Reading 1, the Prophet Isaiah [40.1-8] |
|
138. |
Reading
2, Paul to Timothy [2Tim 1.1-12] |
|
139. |
Gospel of John chapter [3.22-4.3] |
|
140. |
Handwashing song, mode 7: A great mystery has been revealed |
|
141. |
Sanctification song, mode 7: When the heavens were opened to you |
|
142. |
January
14. Synaxis in Saint Stephen, his commemoration. |
|
143. |
January
15. Commemoration of Bishop Babylas of Antioch and his three brothers. |
|
144. |
January
16. Commemoration of Theodore the Recluse. |
|
145. |
January
17. Commemoration of our Father Antony. |
|
146. |
First Reading, Proverbs [11.7-13] |
|
147. |
Reading 2, from the Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach [2.1-13] |
|
148. |
Reading 3, the Prophet Jeremiah [Lam 3.22-32] |
|
149. |
Reading
4, Paul to the Hebrews [11.32-40; note the insertions in italics]: |
|
150. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [10.32-42] |
|
151. |
Handwashing song, mode 5: Blessed is the Father |
|
152. |
Sanctification song, mode 5: Heavenly army |
|
153. |
January
18. In Choziba, at the Monastery of the Theotokos. |
|
154. |
Reading 1, Proverbs [31.29-31] |
|
155. |
Reading
2, Paul to the Hebrews [7.11-19] |
|
156. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [2.42-52] |
|
157. |
Handwashing, mode 7: Out of beautiful roots |
|
158. |
January
19. Commemoration of the Great King Theodosius |
|
159. |
Reading,
Paul to Timothy [1Tim 2.1-7] |
|
160. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [7.1-10] |
|
161. |
January 20. Holy Father Euthymius. All of Fathers [1493] |
|
162. |
January 21. In Saint Paul, his commemoration. All of Dedications [1535] |
|
163. |
January
22. In Saint Stephen, commemoration of all the Saints, who from Stephen
up to this very day were made martyrs through a good witness throughout the
whole world. |
|
164. |
Reading 1, Proverbs [29.2-6] |
|
165. |
Reading 2, the Prophet Isaiah [65.13-18a] |
|
166. |
Reading
3, Paul to the Hebrews [12.1-11] |
|
167. |
Gospel of John [15.20-16.4] |
|
168. |
Handwashing song, mode 2: The first commands |
|
169. |
Sanctification song, mode 4: To you, a sacrifice |
|
170. |
January 23. In Holy Anastasis. Commemoration of Clement the Hierarch. All of Hierarchs [1493] |
|
171. |
January 24. In Holy Anastasis. Clement the Great. All of Hierarchs [1493] |
|
172. |
January
25. In Holy Anastasis. Commemoration of Bishop Gregory of
Nazianzen, the Theologian. |
|
173. |
January 26. Commemoration of Saint John, Archbishop of Constantinople. All of Hierarchs [1493] |
|
174. |
January
27. Saint John Chrysostom, and Archbishop Theodore, and King
Valentinian. |
|
175. |
Reading 1, Proverbs [10.20-25] |
|
176. |
Reading
2, Paul to the Corinthians [1Cor 12.26-31] |
|
177. |
Gospel of John chapter [10.11-16] |
|
178. |
January
28. Commemoration of all the Desert Fathers. |
|
179. |
Reading,
Proverbs [11.7-13] |
|
180. |
Reading,
Paul to the Ephesians [6.10-17] |
|
181. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [5.25-48] |
|
182. |
January
29. Of the Venerable Cross which appeared to King Constantine. |
|
183. |
Reading 1, the Prophet Zechariah [14.16-21] |
|
184. |
Reading
2, Paul to the Galatians [6.14-18] |
|
185. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [24.27-35] |
|
186. |
Handwashing song: Lord, under Moses while |
|
187. |
January 30. Saint Ignatius, Archbishop of Antioch. All of Hierarchs [1493] |
|
188. |
January
31. Of Zechariah, Bishop of Jerusalem (who was taken captive by King
Chosroe to Persia, where he died) |
|
189. |
Reading 1, Job [2.3(?)-3.5] |
|
190. |
Reading 2, the Prophet Isaiah [61.6-10a] |
|
191. |
Reading
3, Paul to Timothy [2Tim 4.1-8] |
|
192. |
Gospel of John chapter [10.11-16] |
|
193. |
February
1. Commemoration of the Prophetess Anna, and of Father Ephraim. |
|
194. |
Reading, Paul to the Romans [10.12b-20] |
|
195. |
Gospel of Matthew chapter [12.38-42] |
|
196. |
February
2. Feast of Hypapantis (Meeting, or Presentation) |
|
197. |
Reading,
Paul to the Colossians [2.8-15] |
|
198. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [2.21] |
|
199. |
For
Liturgy: |
|
200. |
Reading 1, Proverbs [22.11-18] |
|
201. |
Reading 2, Wisdom of Solomon [4.8-12] |
|
202. |
Reading 3, the Prophet Isaiah [19.1-4b] |
|
203. |
Reading
4, Paul to the Galatians [3.24-4.7] |
|
204. |
Gospel of Luke chapter [2.22-40] |
|
205. |
Handwashing song, mode 4: Today is indescribable in glory, and today is indescribable and unseen |
|
206. |
Sanctification song: Today, all praise who |
|
207. |
February 3. Commemoration of the Saints, the Abbas Paul, Mark, Pamphilus, Ammonius, Eulogius, Ochus, and the many others. All of Saints [1475] |
|
208. |
February 4. The Saints, theHerrmits Apellius, Apollonius, Paphnutius, Dioscorius, Theodore of Pelonelius [=Pelusium in Mount Perga?] and Timothy the Martyr. All of the Just [1508] |
|
209. |
February 5. Commemoration of the Martyr Eusychius. All of Saints [1475] |
|
210. |
February 6. Commemoration of Saints Pamphilius, Valentius, Theodore, Julian and the Egyptian Five. Psalm of Saints [1475] |
|
211. |