Encountering the Divine Liturgy Part 13: The Small Entrance

 

Symbolism of the Small Entrance

The Small Entrance is rich in Christological and eschatological symbolism. The Church Fathers and liturgical commentators understand the procession of the Gospel as:

1. The Coming of Christ into the World

The Gospel Book represents Christ Himself, the Word (Logos) of God made flesh (John 1:14). His being carried forth among the people echoes His Incarnation—His coming forth from the bosom of the Father to dwell among humanity.

“The Gospel is not only the message of Christ—it is Christ speaking to His Church. In the entrance with the Gospel, Christ is revealed as the Light coming into the world.”
—St. Germanus of Constantinople, Explanation of the Divine Liturgy, 24

2. The Manifestation of the Kingdom

As the Gospel is carried through the church, the faithful are not merely spectators but participants in a mystical revelation: the Kingdom of God is drawing near. The procession symbolizes the entrance of the heavenly King into His Kingdom, establishing His rule in the midst of His people.

“The procession is the advance of the King into the midst of His people. His Word shall now be proclaimed, and His royal decrees made known.”
—Nicholas Cabasilas, A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy, 14

3. The Eschatological Entrance of Christ

Some liturgical scholars and theologians also see in the Small Entrance a prefiguring of Christ’s Second Coming, when He will enter in glory. Just as the faithful rise in reverence and sing during the entrance, so shall “every knee bow” and every tongue confess Him when He comes again (Philippians 2:10–11).

Theological Significance in Light of the Beatitudes

The Small Entrance directly follows the chanting of the Beatitudes, which describe the character of those who are fit to inherit the Kingdom. This order is intentional:

• The Beatitudes purify the heart, calling the faithful to humility, mercy, and purity.

• The Entrance welcomes the King, who reveals His Word to those who are spiritually prepared.

The sequence embodies a spiritual ascent:

1. The Beatitudes: The faithful are called to inner transformation and kingdom-mindedness.

2. The Small Entrance: Christ, the King, enters to speak to His people—those who have spiritually “ascended the mountain” with Him.

Thus, the Entrance is not merely a liturgical action—it is the epiphany of Christ in our midst, made known through Scripture and celebrated in worship.

Patristic Insight

St. Maximos the Confessor, while not commenting on the entrance directly, affirms the cosmic and transformative power of the Word:

“The Logos of God comes to dwell in the soul that has been purified by the virtues. He comes not as one who passes by, but as one who abides and enlightens.”
(Mystagogia, PG 91.669)

St. Germanus of Constantinople, one of the most detailed commentators on the Liturgy, offers this direct explanation of the Entrance:

“The procession with the Gospel shows forth the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who appears and is seen in the world, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom.”
(Explanation of the Divine Liturgy, 24)

Conclusion

The Small Entrance, though “small” in name, is immense in meaning. It is a visible proclamation of the Incarnate Christ entering the midst of His people, bringing His Word, His Kingdom, and His grace. It transforms the church building into a mystical Bethlehem, a new Galilee, and a foretaste of the Heavenly Jerusalem. In light of the Beatitudes, which prepare the heart for this encounter, the Entrance signals the opening of the soul to divine teaching and the welcoming of the King who speaks not only to ears—but to hearts.