Die Anfänge der Leseversammlungen in der Karwoche

Abstract

For the week leading up to Easter, the Moravians developed a distinctive liturgical form that includes daily services during which the story of Jesus’s last days is read. For this purpose, a Gospel harmony was created that recounts the events in chronological order with texts from the four gospels. The readings are interrupted by congregational hymns and by singing of the choir, so that each individual can reflect and internalize the readings. Traditionally, no homilies or sermons were given during these services. This article traces the origins of this tradition, which continues in many places until the present day.