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In 1972 a famous
American archaeologist specialising in
ecclesiastical history and ancient Christian
manuscripts visited Cyprus in the course of a
long tour of inspection of church documents in
several Eastern Mediterranean countries. With
permission of Archbishop Makarios and handling
the precious book with delicate care he
photographed it page by page and took away the
photographs to be examined scientifically by
colleagues at his university, using the most
refined modern equipment.
He was deeply impressed by the beauty of the
book of the Gospels but he only just started his
tour, and would not return to the States for a
year possibly two and only then would the long
minute study of the photographs begin before any
conclusion about the book's date and origin
could be reached.
About six years ago a team of experts with the
most modern scientific equipment came to Agios
Thomas, where the Eptakomi villagers now live.
They examined the book and they came to the
conclusion that it was written in Cyprus it was
between the 10th and the 12th century. It is not
known in what place in Cyprus it was written but
the fine workmanship indicates that is was
written in the scriptorium of a monastery. They
not only published these important findings but
with infinite care they repaired some of the
damage.
It is a matter of interest that on October 1984
the Postal Administration of Cyprus issued a 25
cent stamp on the left side a map of Cyprus
published in 1764 and on the right side a whole
page of micrography of Evangelist Marcus from
the ancient manuscript copy of the Eptakomi
gospel. It is an honour that it was chosen as an
emblem of the 1st International Symposium of
Medieval Cyprus Paleography.
A month later the Postal Administration of
Cyprus issed for Christmas 1984 three stamps.
Two based on the portrait of St Mark and a page
of his Gospel the other on the portrait of St
Luke in His Gospel. Moreover the Bank of Cyprus
on the December page of its calendar for 1988
has a picture of the Eptakomi Gospel open at the
page showing the first page of St Marks Gospel
and his icon. Above are pictures of St Mark and
St Luke and a commentary on the Gospel. In fact
the whole calendar has its illustrations from
Byzantine art.
This brings me back to those good men whom I
mentioned at the beginning of this story. What
happened to the book as Turkish raiders advanced
towards the village of Eptakomi where they had
heard rumours that a treasure was hidden in the
church. Already Christos and Nicolas had moved
it for safety to their own house, taking turns
to hide and guard it, one day and night with
Christos then the next to Nicolas house.
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