Echmiadzin Gospels

The book was made under the patronage of bishop Stepanos and written by the scribe Hovhanes.

The binding of the book is made of two carved ivory plaques, probably of Byzantine manufacture of the 6th century.

The art historian Carl Nordenfalk considered the Eusebian canon tables of the Echmiadzin Gospels (fols.

1–5, including the Eusebian letter) to be the best representative of the original table design (column arrangement, pattern of frame, ornament, etc.)

Taking into account the Caesarean type of the Armenian text of the Gospels, Nordenfalk concluded that the Echmiadzin Gospels were copied from a Caesarean codex equipped with the Eusebian canon tables.

Carved ivory binding, front cover in five sections of Echmiadzin Gospel, Virgin and Child with scenes from her life, 6th century
An illumination from the manuscript.