Greek Manuscript.-

Compendium of exegetical texts, in Greek, manuscript on paper, 164 leaves (1-118, 126, 13-208, 216), 17-24 lines in at least three different hands, rubrics and headings in red, the first text begins with Mark 8:34, modern ink stamp and contemporary inscription on upper board, reading ‘The ‘Holy monk Maximos’, first text dampstained, faded and almost illegible in places, some staining throughout, some wormholes, a few leaves stuck together, edges frayed, final gathering loose, contemporary paneled leather, rather worn, lower board and spine exposed, 8vo, [Greece, 17th century]

***A rare manuscript of Greek exegetical works from the 17th century, including an exegesis of Church ritual by the controversialist theologian Meletios Syrigos (c.1585-c.1663), who studied maths and literature in Italy, was condemned by Venice and fled to Alexandria, and then Constantinople where he took administrative posts in the Church. He became ecumenical patriarch and religious adviser to the Moldavian Prince Basil Lupul and was one member of a theological committee that responded to queries by Nikon, the Russian patriarch.

Provenance. In the collections at the Château de Chacenay in the Aube département of France.