Who reads the readings from scripture?

St. Basil was very concerned that the reading should be read properly. Hence, the reader should be fluent in reading and his style of reading should reveal his spiritual experience with the Holy Bible and his understanding of the Orthodox faith. “If deacons are eloquent, let them read the gospel. But if they were not good at reading [either in pronunciation, grammar, or by not practicing what they read], senior readers should read the Psalms and the deacons the gospel. No one less than the priest or deacon can read the Gospel in the church. No one can overstep his rite. If people were studying and reading the gospel at home, they should be rebuked by the priest [for fear of the heretics’ misuse of these meetings]. But if this was necessary, then they should not be rebuked [if such meetings were under the Church’s supervision].”¹⁵⁵⁰