A liturgical codex containing selections from the four canonical Gospels, arranged in the order they are read during the church year, serves a central role in many Christian traditions. Rather than presenting the complete text of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, it compiles specific passages appointed for use in the Divine Liturgy or Mass. For instance, a reading detailing the Resurrection may be found within the section designated for Easter services.
The significance of this compilation lies in its practicality for liturgical celebrations and its symbolic weight within worship. It streamlines the process of reading the Gospel during services, eliminating the need to search through the entire Bible. Historically, these codices were often elaborately decorated and bound, signifying the sacred nature of the words they contained. The presence of such a volume often symbolizes the presence of Christ himself.