Cilician Armenia, 1239
BSMS 77
By kind permission of Bible Society

The Gospels perform a central role in ceremonies of the Armenian Church, being displayed to the congregation and placed on the altar next to the cross; moreover, the book symbolises the ‘real presence’ of Christ in the service. Many copies of the text received decorative bindings appropriate to this important role, including this manuscript, written in 1239 but rebound by one Step’anos in 1427, possibly in Eastern Europe. The four medallions around the cross on the upper cover represent the resurrection, crucifixion, baptism and annunciation, and those on the outer corners the four Evangelists. The Mother and Child, who holds a globe in his hand, are central to the lower cover.