The Garima Gospels Ancient Ethiopian Christian Manuscripts

## The Garima Gospels: Ancient Ethiopian Christian Manuscripts The Garima Gospels, dating from approximately 330 to 650 AD, are among the oldest illuminated Christian manuscripts in the world and hold a special place in Ethiopian religious and cultural heritage. These manuscripts are attributed to Abba Garima, a revered monk who is said to have written and illustrated them in a miraculous manner over the course of a single day. The Garima Gospels are treasured not only for their age and artistic beauty but also for their role in preserving early Christian teachings and Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. These ancient manuscripts consist of two volumes, written in Ge’ez, an ancient Ethiopian language. They contain the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—adorned with vibrant illuminations, intricate decorative motifs, and ornate geometric designs. The Garima Gospels exemplify the rich tradition of Ethiopian manuscript illumination, characterized by its distinctive style and iconography.