Gospel
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Mark 1:1, and elsewhere) — a Greek word meaning “good tidings,” that is, good, joyful news. The Gospels comprise the four books of the evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In them is proclaimed the good news of the Godhead of our Lord Jesus Christ, of His coming into the world, of His life on earth, of His wondrous deeds and saving teaching, and finally of His death on the cross, glorious resurrection, and ascension into heaven. These books are called “Gospel” because there can be no better or more joyful news for man than the news of the divine Savior and of eternal salvation.
It is for this reason that the reading of the Gospel in church is on each occasion accompanied by the joyful exclamation: “Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!”