Akathistos hymnos

One of the earliest recorded Marian prayers from Constantinople (AD 626)
Only two specimens of the historic work survive today
The 24 strophes of the hymn begin with all the letters of the Greek alphabet in order

Akathistos hymnos

R.I.19 Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)

Description

Akathistos hymnos

This unique manuscript presents the Greek text of the famous Akathistos Hymnos, one of the early Christian prayers to the Virgin Mary from Constantinople. Originating from Constantinople in the late 14th or early 15th centuries, here the text is illustrated in a typical picture cycle, which only survives today in two specimens. The manuscript came into the possession of Philip II by mysterious means and is stored today in El Escorial, “one of the most precious works of art in Spain.”

Akathistos Hymnos

The Akathistos Hymnos is considered to be one of the main components of the Orthodox liturgy. According to legend, the doxology of the Virgin Mary was first sung in Constantinople in the year 626, calling for the protection of the Mother of God against an attack by the Avars. Consequently, the Akathistos Hymnos, which is still sung today, is one of the oldest and most beautiful pieces of Marian poetry in Christendom. The important liturgical Hymnos has been celebrated primarily in the Eastern Orthodox Church, but has nevertheless had a large influence on the Christian church as a whole as a devout expression of Marian devotion.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

The Greek hymn “to the holiest Theotokos and eternal Virgin Mary” originates from an unknown Greek poet and consists of 24 strophes. These follow an interesting principle: their initial letters yield all of the letters of the Greek alphabet in order. In terms of content, both of the first two sections deal with salutations of praise to the Mother of God following the incarnation of Christ from Mary.

A Late Manuscript from Constantinople

The significance of the Akathistos Hymnos is also demonstrated by this wonderful manuscript from the late 14th or early 15th century. The 60 pages of this treasure of illumination do not just contain the text of the Marian prayers. The wonderful picture cycle of the Akathistos Hymnos is considered to be a special feature. This has been handed down in only two Greek manuscripts, a manuscript in Moscow in addition to this one from El Escorial. The visual adornment consists of 23 miniatures in Byzantine style on a golden background and additionally comprises 15 pages with elegantly ornamented initials consisting of animal and plant motifs. Clearly discernable Italian influences on the painting have led to speculation that the manuscript originated from Venice or Crete. Nevertheless, the body of research still considers Constantinople as the point of origin of the Akathistos Hymnos from El Escorial.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Greek Hymn Honoring the Virgin Mary
Poesías en loor de la Virgen
Akathistos: canto litúrgico para recitativo o declamado y schola a 2 v. p. y asamblea
El Hymno Akathistos
Poesías en loor de la Virgen
Akathistos (Hymno marial griego)
Escorial Akathistos
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 60 pages / 24.5 × 18.5 cm
Origin
Date: End of 14th or beginning of 15th century
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Other Religious Books
Language: Greek
Illustrations: 23 half-page miniatures and 15 floral and zoomorphic initials
Content: Akathistos Hymnos
Previous Owners: King Philip II of Spain (1527–1598)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Akathistos Hymnos

Praise of the Mother of God

According to the Akathistos Hymnos as a prayer of praise to Mary as the "most holy God-bearer", the Greek hymn begins with praising greetings to the Virgin Mary. The stanzas are introduced by a colourful miniature with a typical Byzantine gold background. Embedded in architecture, the Holy Mary is enthroned, her hands stretched towards heaven. She is dressed in a bright blue robe and a red cloak. The folds of the garments deliberately contour the body and legs. A red outline highlights the glittering nimbus from the equally golden background.

Single Page

Akathistos Hymnos

Adoration of the Magi

In rich shades of red and blue, this elaborate miniature presents the Adoration of the Magi in Byzantine style. The three kings on the left kneel in front of the Mother of God with the Child, offering their gifts. Mary holds their Child on her lap, her right hand stretched out towards the kings. Jesus, his hand raised in blessing, is wrapped in a dark red robe and, like Mary, is adorned with a shimmering golden nimbus.
It is remarkable that the architectural and scenic design of the miniature spatially separates the Magi from Mary with Jesus. While a city silhouette rises from the three kings, Christ and Mary are framed by the rocks of a cave. In addition to the magnificent miniature, the page is decorated with the Greek text of the ancient Christian praise to Mary and a decorative initial with an animal ornament.

Facsimile Editions

#1 Akathistos himno Marial Griego

Edilan – Madrid, 1981

Publisher: Edilan – Madrid, 1981

Limited Edition: 2000 copies

Binding: Dry-stamped yellow silk as the original

Commentary: 1 volume (113 pages) by Gregorio de Andrés
Language: Spanish

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Originally written in the 6th century in Bizantium and copied for Philip II on the event of his coronation

Facsimile Copy Available!

Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)

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