A large, elaborate rectangular headpiece spans the top of the left column. It features intricate, multi-colored (red, gold, green) interlaced knotwork in a geometric pattern. Above the center of the headpiece is a stylized cross on a pedestal, flanked by decorative floral flourishes. Below this headpiece is a title in highly stylized, tall Cyrillic "vyaz" script.

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

A large ornamental initial "K," decorated with floral and leafy patterns in blue, red, and gold, marks the beginning of the Slavonic text.

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; and Judah begat Pharez and Zara of Tamar; and Pharez begat...

On the Saturday before the Nativity of Christ

Liturgical instruction in red ink indicating this passage is read on the Saturday before the Nativity of Christ.

A smaller rectangular headpiece at the top of the right column contains red and gold interlaced geometric patterns. Below it is a title in red Greek uncial letters.

FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

Large decorative initial "B" (Beta) for the word "Biblos," filled with red and gold interlaced knotwork within a rectangular frame.

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac. And Isaac begat Jacob. And Jacob begat Judah and his brethren. And Judah begat Pharez and Zara, of Tamar. And Pharez begat Esrom. And Esrom begat Aram. And Aram begat Aminadab. And Aminadab begat Naasson. And Naasson begat Salmon. And Salmon begat Booz, of Rachab. And Booz begat Obed, of Ruth. And Obed begat Jesse. And Jesse begat David the king. And David the king begat Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias. And Solomon begat Roboam. And Roboam begat Abia. And Abia begat Asa. And Asa begat Josaphat. And Josaphat begat Joram. And Joram begat Ozias. And Ozias begat Joatham. And Joatham begat Achaz. And Achaz begat Ezekias. And Ezekias begat Manasses. And Manasses begat Amon. And Amon begat Josias. And Josias begat Jechonias, and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel. And Salathiel begat Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begat Abiud. And Abiud begat Eliakim. And Eliakim begat Azor. And Azor begat Sadok. And Sadok begat Achim. And Achim begat Eliud. And Eliud begat Eleazar. And Eleazar begat...