56 On the scribe original: "knizhnik," a scholar of the law
and the Pharisee. Luke 33
57 On the fig tree. Matt. 40, Mark 40
Luke 75
58 On the denarius. Matt. 34
59 On the ten virgins.
60 On the reception of the talents
61 On the coming of Christ.
62 On the woman who anointed his head
Matt. 104, Matt. 14, Luke 61
John 21
63 On the preparation of the Passover
Mark 45, Luke 79
64 On the mystery of the rite
original: "obrazë tainëm," symbolic/mystical form
Luke 82:
65 On the betrayal of the Council.
Mark 46:
66 On the denial of Peter.
Mark 47, Luke 79.
67 On the crucifixion of Judas.
68 On the request
of the body
of the Lord
Matt. 50,
Luke 88, John 18.

THEOPHYLACT

Archbishop

of Bulgaria, Preface

to the Holy

Gospel of Matthew:

A large, ornate decorative initial letter E (Є) features interlaced knotwork and floral motifs in gold leaf, blue, and red ink.

For those who were illuminated before the Law referring to the era before the Mosaic Law by the holy Prophets, writing not in books, but bearing the mind of the Holy Spirit, they were enlightened; and thus, by the foreknowledge of God, they desired the Word original: "Samo-mu" (Himself/The Word) to be spoken through the lips of the prophets, as if by their own mouths. Thus they spoke: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, because people were weak and were not worthy of being enlightened [by the direct light of Christ].