Gospel and Epistle covers

[Olga]

From what I can gather, on the front cover of a liturgical Gospel book there is an icon (or representation in relief) of the Resurrection in the centre, and icons of the four Evangelists in the corners. I also think there would be the Crucifixion on the back cover, but have drawn a blank on what/who should be in the corners. I have even less idea as to what/who should be featured on the cover of a liturgical Epistle book. Would there be a standard "formula"? Your help is appreciated.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Olga,

Our Slavonic Gospels are exactly how you describe them for the fromt cover. On the back there is a Cross with nothing in the corners.

The Slavonic Epistle Book (Apostol) that we have has representations of Apostle Peter (top left); Apostle Paul (top right); Apostle James (bottom left); & Apostle John the Theologian (bottom right). In the middle is a bird with halo enthroned with a book in its claws. As our Apostol is faded on the cover I cannot make out if this is supposed to be an eagle or perhaps a phoenix bird which represents the resurrected Christ.

Hope this helps.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[John Weir]

Hi,

I read this and checked out our Epistle book, it too has a bird which looks more like a dove than an eagle to me holding what I assume to be is a Gospel resting on again what I assume to be in an Altar table. The picture is quite clear as someone had the foresight to cover the book in that clear protective stickon stuff (hopefully you know what I mean)

In Christ

Reader John Weir