Medieval and Early Modern Greek Manuscripts : Gregory of Nazianzus

Medieval and Early Modern Greek Manuscripts

<p style='text-align: justify;'>This manuscript, probably copied in the early 12th century, contains a series of orations on a variety of religious subjects by <i>Gregory of Nazianzus</i> (c. 330-390), one of the most important patristic theologians, whose contributions to the theology of the Trinity were particularly influential. A selection of Gregory's orations were read in churches on particular feast days, and those presented here and the order in which they appear accord with this liturgical arrangement.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The manuscript has suffered substantial losses of folios, and at a later date, probably in the 14th century, two replacement quires were inserted to replace earlier losses. While the original material is parchment, these replacement leaves were of paper. There have been further subsequent losses, and various of the folios from the beginning and end of the volume had evidently become detached and been organised in the wrong order. This is indicated by the fact that they bear modern folio numbers which do not correspond to their present location or to the correct order of the text. However, at or before the time of the most recent rebinding, they were restored to their proper order. The manuscript has also suffered severely from mould damage.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dr Christopher Wright</p>