A liturgical compilation, bringing together various prayers, - Lot 165

A liturgical compilation, bringing together various prayers, hymns and ecclesiastical texts used in Armenian liturgy, 16th or 17th century. In-4° (approx. 20.5 x 15.5 cm.), 176 leaves, period stitching of the quires, wooden ais (cover missing; some initial and final leaves missing; craquelure on ais). Armenian theological manuscript collecting a wide selection of religious texts, including sermons, preaching (քարոզ), moral exhortations (խրատ),, homilies (ճառ), lives of saints, as well as a commentary to the letters of St. Peter. Very fine bolorgir handwriting, indicating the quality of the commission and the care taken in copying. Richly decorated, it features title pages decorated in cinnabar red and blue, illuminated lettering and numerous marginal illustrations. Several handwritten notes added at different times - some dated according to the Armenian calendar ՌԼԱ (1582), ՌՀԲ (1623) and ՌՄԽԷ (1798) - testify to its continuous circulation and transmission over more than two centuries. The volume also includes later corrections and possession marks, revealing prolonged use and its enduring spiritual value within the communities that preserved it.