In some Christian traditions, the gospel side of the church is typically considered to be the left side when facing the altar. This side is often associated with the reading and proclamation of the gospel during worship services.
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In some Christian traditions, the gospel side of the church is typically considered to be the left side when facing the altar. This side is often associated with the reading and proclamation of the gospel during worship services. The concept of the gospel side dates back centuries and holds significant symbolic value within the church.
Here are a few interesting facts on the topic:
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Gospel Side Definition: The gospel side, also known as the “epistle side” or “north side,” is distinguished by its position to the left of the altar when facing it. This side is generally associated with the reading and proclamation of the gospel during liturgical services.
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Symbolic Importance: The designation of the gospel side is rooted in early church traditions and has symbolic significance. It is believed that the left side represents the Gentiles or non-Jewish people, while the right side symbolizes the Jewish believers. As the gospel started reaching beyond Jewish communities, the reading of the gospel took place on the side designated for the Gentiles.
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Gospel Side vs. Epistle Side: In addition to the gospel side, churches may have an “epistle side” or “south side” as well. The epistle side is positioned on the right side of the altar and is associated with the reading of the Epistle or letters from the New Testament during worship services.
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Liturgical Worship: The designation of the gospel side is particularly significant in liturgical worship practices where the service follows a set order or format. It allows for a specific place from which the gospel can be read, emphasizing its importance as a central message of the Christian faith.
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Variations Among Denominations: While the left side is generally associated with the gospel side, it’s important to note that practices may vary among different Christian denominations and traditions. Some traditions may interpret the sides differently based on their liturgical practices or cultural influences.
An insightful quote on the topic comes from Father Dwight Longenecker, a Catholic priest and author, who said, “In some Christian churches, especially those with a tradition from the High Church or Anglican tradition, the gospel is read from the left, or ‘north,’ side of the church. This practice is symbolic and not dogmatic, but it reflects and reinforces a powerful truth about the gospel message.”
Table comparing Gospel Side and Epistle Side:
| Gospel Side | Epistle Side |
|---|---|
| Associated with reading and proclamation of the gospel | Associated with reading of the Epistle or letters |
| Positioned on the left side when facing the altar | Positioned on the right side when facing the altar |
| Symbolizes Gentiles or non-Jewish people | Symbolizes Jewish believers |
| Reflects the central message of the Christian faith | Emphasizes the teachings from the New Testament |
It is worth noting that the specific practices and interpretations surrounding the gospel side may vary across different Christian communities, and these details are not universally standardized. Nonetheless, the idea of the gospel side carries rich symbolism and historical significance within the Christian worship tradition.
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left side” An archaic term referring to the left side of the altar, and that side of the church building, as viewed by the congregation from the nave. The gospel was read from this side of the altar in the low mass of the Roman Rite.
The Gospel side is the other side of the church, where the Gospel is read. Facing the altar from the nave, it is the left-hand side. In some places, especially if a comment is based on a romance language source, the Gospel side will be cited as the Evangelist side .
The Gospel side is the other side of the church, where the Gospel is read. Facing the altar from the nave, it is the left-hand side.
See a video about the subject.
In the YouTube video, “The Gospel Music of the Statler Brothers,” the band members reflect on their experience creating and producing their own television show for seven years. They express their fulfillment in writing and producing the show themselves, which allowed them to showcase various genres of music. They mention that the closing gospel song was the most beloved segment, and they eagerly anticipated performing it. The Statler Brothers also share heartwarming stories about their interactions with Johnny Cash, such as opening his show and their gospel music resonating with him. Ultimately, they look back on the precious memories and meaningful connections that their gospel music has brought them.
In addition, people are interested
Just so, What are the sides of a church called?
Answer: Accordingly, the left side of the church is called the gospel side. The on the right is called the lectern. It generally holds a large Bible and is used by lay readers for the Old Testament and epistle lessons. Accordingly, the right side of the church is called the epistle side.
Why is the gospel read facing north?
Answer to this: But in liturgical terms, north is also important because, by a long tradition, the north represents the dark realm where the light of the gospel has not yet shone. We read the Gospel toward the north to represent the Church’s mission to the unevangelized.
Where does the priest read the gospel? Uses in the Western Churches
In Anglican Churches it is customary for the deacon or priest to read the Gospel from either the pulpit or to process to part way along the aisle and to read the Gospel from a Bible or lectionary that is being held by an altar server.
Also question is, Where is the gospel read from? The book is frequently carried in procession to the place of reading, accompanied by lights [i.e. candles] and incense. Traditionally it was read from a pulpit of ambo, but often today in the middle of the congregation”.
In this regard, What is the difference between epistle side and gospel side?
Response to this: In the liturgical traditions of Western Christianity, the Epistle side is the term used to designate the side of a church on which the Epistle is read during a church service. It is the right-hand side of the chancel as viewed by the congregation from the nave. The Gospel side is the other side of the chancel, where the Gospel is read.
Likewise, What is the Evangelist side of the church? As a response to this: The Gospel side is the other side of the chancel, where the Gospel is read. Facing the altar from the nave, it is the left-hand side. In some places, especially if a comment is based on a romance language source, the Gospel side will be cited as the Evangelist side .
Why is the Gospel read on the left side of the altar?
The response is: This ritual is often replete with symbolism and liturgical meaning. The reading of the Gospel on the left side of the altar is no exception. Unlike in the New Mass, where the Liturgy of the Word (Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel) are all read from the ambo, in the Traditional Mass both the Epistle and Gospel are read at the altar by the priest.
What is the right side of the altar called?
Answer: When facing the altar, the left side is called the Gospel side. The right side is called the Epistle side. In the early church, the lector (reader) read the Gospel from the left side of the altar and the Epistle from the right side.
Also question is, What is the difference between epistle side and gospel side?
In the liturgical traditions of Western Christianity, the Epistle side is the term used to designate the side of a church on which the Epistle is read during a church service. It is the right-hand side of the chancel as viewed by the congregation from the nave. The Gospel side is the other side of the chancel, where the Gospel is read.
Subsequently, What is the Evangelist side of the church?
The Gospel side is the other side of the chancel, where the Gospel is read. Facing the altar from the nave, it is the left-hand side. In some places, especially if a comment is based on a romance language source, the Gospel side will be cited as the Evangelist side .
Also question is, Why is the Gospel read on the left side of the altar? Answer to this: This ritual is often replete with symbolism and liturgical meaning. The reading of the Gospel on the left side of the altar is no exception. Unlike in the New Mass, where the Liturgy of the Word (Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel) are all read from the ambo, in the Traditional Mass both the Epistle and Gospel are read at the altar by the priest.
What is the right side of the altar called?
The reply will be: When facing the altar, the left side is called the Gospel side. The right side is called the Epistle side. In the early church, the lector (reader) read the Gospel from the left side of the altar and the Epistle from the right side.