From Diocese of Sourozh
Peresopnitsa Gospel presented to the British Library
12th May 2008
On 12th May, a presentation of the new facsimile reprint of the Peresopnitsa Gospel was made at the British Library. The Gospel was presented by the delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, headed by Archbishop Luka of Konotop and Gluhov which also included other hierarchs and clergy, as well representatives from academic and publishing circles. Similar presentations were also made to the University Libraries of Oxford and Cambridge. The delegation will now travel to other important book repositories in France, USA and Russia.
The Peresopnitsa Gospel is the first known translation of the gospels into the literary Ukrainian language, which is dated between 1555-1561. The state importance of this Gospel can be seen from the fact that it is used in the inauguration ceremony of all new presidents of the Ukrainian Republic. The facsimile reprint of this unique publication was made possible by the joint initiative and backing of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, the Vernadsky National Library and the ADEF-Ukraina publishing house.
On Sunday 11th May, the ordained members of the delegation took part in the Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Cathedral which was followed by a reception. During their stay in England, the delegation was also received by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira.
