Russian Orthodox Prayer Book was written in Old Church Slavonic language. A beautiful and well-preserved copy bound in purple velvet with intricate silver metalwork decorations. Leaves 1 to 39 contains ink inscriptions on the bottom, signifying that the book was a gift to the Congregational Church of Saint Nicholas in Vršac (Serbia). The gift was sent in honor of the Christian holiday commemorating the translation of the bones of St. Nicholas from Myra (Byzantium, present-day Turkey) to Bari (Italy). Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates this holiday on the 22nd of May. The inscription is dated: 21st of May 1866.
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Most likely published in Moscow by the most Holy Synod. Uncertain due to the fact that the book contains no references to the publisher, other than the year of publishing: 1857.
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Pp. /2/ + 584 leaves (Cyrillic numeration) + /2/; frontispiece; illustrations.
Size: 14 x 8.5 cm.
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Binding: Original purple velvet with silver decorations. Front panel reattached to spine. Bumped edges. Some minor wear and imperfections. Metalwork decorations on front panel damaged: upper and lower-right decorations missing (see scans). Renewed endpapers.
Condition: Minor tear and damage on frontispiece and title page. Barely visible signs of paper aging (some foxing). Ink inscriptions on leaves 1 to 39. Otherwise in very good condition.
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For item condition and details see the scans. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us!
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