THE HISTORY OF THE ACQUISITION OF THE SINAI BIBLE BY THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF RECENT FINDINGS IN RUSSIAN ARCHIVES
- Introduction
- Original Agreement between Archbishop Cyril, C. Tischendorf and Prince A.B. Lobanov-Rostovsky
- Confrontation of Archbishop Cyril and Mt Sinai Brethren
- Formalizing the Donation of the Sinai Bible
- Settlement of Mt Sinai's Financial Problems Resulting from Archbishop Cyril's Activity
- Conclusions
Conclusions
Thus analysis of Russian archives suggests the following conclusions on the history of Sinai Bible acquisition.
Recent findings generally support the version repeatedly described by Constantine Tischendorf. Published research (by I. Ševčenko above all) questioning the legitimacy and honesty of Tischendorf and the Russian Government in their dealings with Mt Sinai Community depended on the ambiguous behavior of Cyril Archbishop of Sinai. The documents reported in this work indicate that eventual purchase of the Sinai Bible by the Russian Government in 1868-1869 was formalized by Archbishop Callistratus and the Holy Council of Mt Sinai Community on their own free will, in accordance with the law, and without pressure from Count N.P. Ignatyev. The role of Count Ignatyev in the settlement of the conflict between the brethren and former Archbishop Cyril in 1870 and 1871 indicates that he enjoyed the confidence and amicability of Mt Sinai monks.
Investigations in St Catherine's records and other archives may refine and update our concept of the history of the Codex Sinaiticus. Hopefully, the published findings may prove useful in further research in this direction.
