5.27 Akathistos Hymn
1645
Iviron Cod. 1626
Paper, 28.5 x 20.5 cm, ff. 45
As is usual with manuscripts of the Akathistos Hymn, this one is decorated with a large headpiece at the beginning (fol. 1r) and the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, each in the form of an initial introducing one of the 24 strophes or Salutations to the Virgin. The headpiece and initials are richly embellished, their decoration consisting mainly of flora designs, which are often combined with birds and dragons. The text of the service of the Akathistos Hymn is laid out in a very carefully executed script with red titles within rectangular gold frames, except on folios 42v-44r. The binding is of red leather with gilt flora ornaments. The manuscript is in good condition.
Bibliography: Thesauroi 1975, pp. 341-3, figs. 209-33 (referred to as no. 1435μ).