Compiled on Mount Athos from 1730-1734 from ancient and contemporary sources, this book is among the oldest of the extant "Greek-style" narrative patternbooks and instruction texts. A classic "hermeneia" (literally "interpretation" or "expounding"), this oversize, small-print work includes introductary sections on icon painting techniques and describes hundreds of figures of saints, Old and New Testament events, parables, feast days, and decorations of churches.

Translated by: Paul Hetherington