ST JOHN DAMASCENE, St John Chrysostom, and St Ephraim.

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Book IV of De Fide Orthodoxa, A collection of three important texts for the Eastern Orthodox rite, with an impressive full-page miniature and decoration.The miniature, which depicts St John Chrysostom, is an interesting mixture of influences. The lingering presence of gilt highlights looks back to the 16th-century tradition, while the simplified palette reflects what would become the norm in the late 17th century (Schavinskij, pp. 39-50). The soft colours are consistent with the Moscow style c.1600. Inspired by the style of icons, it is also strongly influenced by Russian book design in the second half of the 16th century. In particular, the very fine headpiece and initial are reminiscent of those in the Apostol (1564), the first dated printed book in Russian. The first text is part of St John Damascene's De Fide Orthodoxa, "one of the most important works that have come down to us from Christian antiquity" (Lupton, p. 70). This copy comprises the fourth and last book, devoted to doctrinal questions, such as the Resurrection, the Antichrist, worship towards the East, images, and the question of the Sabbath. The second text includes a selection of sermons and homilies by the Church Father St John Chrysostom (d. 407 CE), Archbishop of Constantinople, and St Ephraim (4th century). Widely read throughout the middle ages and the early modern period, they address scriptural interpretation, as well as moral and social questions ranging from monasticism to the care of the needy. Prov

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