Can a Bible be venerated the way an icon is venerated?

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Meaning, before you open a Bible could you do the metanias that you would when venerating an icon? I myself have actually started venerating my Bible in the same manner, but I wanted to see if this was a proper way or an acceptable practice.

Also, has there ever been a history of doing so? Thanks in advance!

Pace e Bene
Andrew
 
Many people kiss their Bibles. Other than that, I don’t know 🤷

Sorry I can’t be more helpful…

Prayers and petitions,
Alexius:cool:
 
We reverence the book of the Gospels regularly; at St.Nicholas, if children are present, they come forward (with parent in tow) for the gospel reading, and after, all those who come forward kiss the Book of the Gospels.

The Gospels are a window to Christ, of a different nature to Icons, but the same purpose.

I don’t see it as wrong, but neither is it something I would expect as a general praxis.
 
Aramis said:
We reverence the book of the Gospels regularly; at St.Nicholas, if children are present, they come forward (with parent in tow) for the gospel reading, and after, all those who come forward kiss the Book of the Gospels.

The Gospels are a window to Christ, of a different nature to Icons, but the same purpose.

I don’t see it as wrong, but neither is it something I would expect as a general praxis.
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One Greek church I was at had congregational veneration, but generally I have seen it done…

Prayers and petitions,
Alexius:cool:
 
Alexius said:
One Greek church I was at had congregational veneration, but generally I have seen it done…

Prayers and petitions,
Alexius:cool:
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Don’t you mean “Generally I have not seen it done…” ??? 😉

Veneration of the Gospel Book is often not done due to simple economia: it adds as much time as communion takes, delays the homily from the Gospel reading, and puts stress on an expensive, and often fragile, book.

Veneration of the Cross is more common, IME.
 
Aramis said:
Don’t you mean “Generally I have not seen it done…” ??? 😉

Veneration of the Gospel Book is often not done due to simple economia: it adds as much time as communion takes, delays the homily from the Gospel reading, and puts stress on an expensive, and often fragile, book.

Veneration of the Cross is more common, IME.
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Yes, I meant to say I have not seen it done much…:o

Most of the time, the cross is venerated as you say.
 
The veneration of the Gospel Book with 2 metanoiai before and one after, exactly the same way as one venerates an icon, is part of Festal Matins.
 
All of the times I’ve seen the Gospels reverenced, they’ve had icons on them which were kissed. I assume they would be reverenced without icons, but you know what they say about assuming. Is this the case?
 
Remember what an icon is/represents and why we venerate the icon. Then you will understand why you do not venerate the bible like it is an icon.
 
mgy100 said:
Remember what an icon is/represents and why we venerate the icon. Then you will understand why you do not venerate the bible like it is an icon.
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Right, I know not to venerate it like it’s an icon. I apologize if my wording made you think that. Such was not my intent.:o

I meant can it be venerated in the same fashion an icon is venerated with the metanias and all. I feel compelled to do so because I reverence God’s word so much, and of course the Church that has maintained it for us.

Pace e Bene
Andrew
 
mgy100 said:
Remember what an icon is/represents and why we venerate the icon. Then you will understand why you do not venerate the bible like it is an icon.
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Your point is not self-evident. An icon expresses the history of the Church, visually teaches Truth, and makes present the glory of God. The Word, especially the Gospels, does the same thing.
 
Woodstock said:
Your point is not self-evident. An icon expresses the history of the Church, visually teaches Truth, and makes present the glory of God. The Word, especially the Gospels, does the same thing.
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Alas, it wasn’t supposed to be self-evident, but to encourage a journey of discovery and so forth.
 
mgy100 said:
Alas, it wasn’t supposed to be self-evident, but to encourage a journey of discovery and so forth.
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You p(name removed by moderator)ointed the only end result being that it is not allowed and expect people to think up an explanation and defense for your assertion?

We all belong to apostolic faiths here. We’ve seen what self-interpretation can do. If you know of a source that addresses this then it would be beneficial to all for you to post it so that they can undergo such a journey with proper guidance. If not, it would be beneficial for you to say that you are offering your opinion.
 
Woodstock said:
You p(name removed by moderator)ointed the only end result being that it is not allowed and expect people to think up an explanation and defense for your assertion?

We all belong to apostolic faiths here. We’ve seen what self-interpretation can do. If you know of a source that addresses this then it would be beneficial to all for you to post it so that they can undergo such a journey with proper guidance. If not, it would be beneficial for you to say that you are offering your opinion.
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I’ll get there, it’s Christmas, you know I’ll be back with more 🙂
 
Regarding how Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics view the Gospel Book, Wikipedia says,

“Among Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics the Gospel Book (Greek: Εύαγγέλιον, Evangélion) is very important liturgically. It is considered to be an icon of Christ, and is venerated in the same manner as an icon.”

In the Melkite Church the Gospel Book is venerated at Matins and during Bright Week just like in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Aside from kissing the Book at Matins, in Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox Liturgies one performs a metany with sign of the Cross when the Gospel Book is carried in procession, just like a cross, chalice or icon (at least the ones I’ve attended).

If J.P. II kissed a Koran to show respect for the fact that Jesus and Mary are mentioned within its pages, then how much more should the Bible itself be venerated with a kiss and metany for proclaiming Jesus not just as a prophet, but God Incarnate?

Durango
 
At St George the Gospel is venerated. :byzsoc: I would say at least 2/3s of those present go forward for the reading of the Gospel and it’s veneration, many with candles in hand to burn during the reading. Usually that means people have filled the front of the Church are standing back down the isles about six rows.

It is a wonderful site. :extrahappy: It does take a bit more time, but time that is well worth it. 👍
 
Durango said:
If J.P. II kissed a Koran to show respect for the fact that Jesus and Mary are mentioned within its pages, then how much more should the Bible itself be venerated with a kiss and metany for proclaiming Jesus not just as a prophet, but God Incarnate?

Durango
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I don’t mean to be contentious, but as I understand it, no explination for that episode - sadly - was ever put forth. Your explination could very well be correct…

Also some have suggested that in the context of that meeting JP2 had been presented with an opportunity to view many old manuscripts of Scripture, and may have been confused by the Arabic script into thinking he was being presented a Bible…

I don’t think we know. I do know that the “Koran-kissing-pope” invectives hurled at JP2 (most common in “traditionalist” circles) is not only tired and played, but given the attitudes found elswhere in the life and writings of the Holy Father, are just silly.
 
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