Uspenski Gospels

MInuscule 461

New Testament manuscript papyri uncials minuscules lectionaries
Page with text of John 17:2-12
Name	Uspenski Gospels
Text	Gospels
Date	835
Script	Greek
Found	Uspensky 1844
Now at	National Library of Russia
Size	16.7 x 10.7 cm
Type	Byzantine text-type
Category	V
Hand	regular and well formed

Uspenski Gospels, Minuscule 461 (in the Gregory-Aland numbering), ε 92 (Soden), are a New Testament minuscule manuscript written in Greek, dated at 835 AD. They are the oldest known dated manuscript of the New Testament; it was not customary for Greek scribes to date their work at the time.

The codex contains complete text of the four Gospels, on 344 parchment leaves, the leaves measure 16.7 cm by 10.7 cm. The text is written in one column per page, 19 lines per page, in minuscule letters. The margins are very wide, the column of writing occupies an area of 11,3 cm by 6 cm. The words are written continuously, usually without any separation (with some exceptions).

The letters are small and upright. The letters are regular and well-formed. They do not look like experimental ones in character. This type of handwriting was used for some time before this manuscript, according to Bruce M. Metzger, even more than half a century.

The headings of the Gospels and liturgical notes at the margin are written in uncial letters. The nomina sacra are written in an abbreviated way. It has also another abbreviations. It has ligatures, occasionally it has separate words.

The text is divided according to the κεφαλαια (chapters), whose numbers are given at the margin of the text. The chapters have their τιτλοι (titles of chapters) at the top of the pages. There is no another division according to the Ammonian Sections, and no references to the Eusebian Canons. It contains lectionary markings (liturgical notes) at the margin and the manuscript was prepared to the liturgical reading. At the margin of the beginning of the Gospel of Mark note specifies that the passage Mark 1:1-8 is appointed to be read on the Sunday before the Feast of Lights (τη κυριακη προ των Φωτων εαν φθασουν δυο κυριακας μεσον λεγεται τουτο εις την Β κυριακην).