Gospel weighing 32 kg restored in Novgorod

Specialists of Novgorod state museum and reserve have accomplished the restoration of the biggest collection Gospel weighing nearly 32kg. It is reported by “Interfax-Religion”.

The Holy Gospel was printed for the Novgorod Savior-Transfiguration Varlaam-Khutyn monastery in the Moscow printing house during the time of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna – in 1759. Later, the Gospel covers was made, which consumed11.4 kg of silver and enamel.

"As a result, the 304-page book turned out to be so heavy that, according to archival testimonies, two deacons carried out the Gospel at once," the museum employee told the news agency.

According to him, the book entered the museum in the Soviet years, at the time of the Bolsheviks ruining en masse monasteries and temples, and was kept in the funds of the state museum. Some time ago, museum specialists discovered a deformation of the Gospel covers, as well as corrosion and oxides. Now these defects have been eliminated, the Gospel is prepared for the exhibition in honor of the 825th anniversary of Khutyn monastery.