The BEGINNING (αρχη) and the END (τελος) in many Greek NT Manuscripts

Many Greek manuscripts of the New Testament after the eighth and ninth centuries mark the beginning of the lections with the word ἀρχή or ἀρ or χʹ/ ἀρ  and the end with the word τέλος or τέ or λ/τέ inserted into the text, but written in coloured, commonly vermillion ink.

In Greek New Testament manuscripts from the 8th and 9th centuries onward, a notable liturgical tradition developed in the use of lectionary markings to indicate passages designated for reading in church services. These markings helped readers or liturgical leaders identify the starting and ending points of specific scripture readings, known as lections. The terms and symbols used, as well as the practice of writing them in colored ink, such as vermillion, became standard in many manuscripts used in Byzantine worship.

1. Lectionary System in the Greek Church

Greek New Testament manuscripts used in the church services often served as lectionaries, which are books containing selected scriptural readings arranged according to the liturgical calendar. The reading (lection) for each day or occasion was marked directly in the biblical text to guide the reader.

2. Use of ἀρχή or ἀρ (Archē) and τέλος or τέ (Telos)

ἀρχή (archē): Meaning “beginning,” this word or its abbreviation (ἀρ or even χʹ) was used to mark the start of a lection. It signaled where the public reading of scripture should begin.

τέλος (telos): Meaning “end,” this term or its abbreviation (τέ or λʹ) indicated the end of a lection, marking where the scripture reading would stop.

These markings were not part of the biblical text itself but were inserted into the margins or above the text, often in red ink, for practical use in a liturgical context. This made it easy for a reader to distinguish between the narrative of the text and the start and end points of the specific readings without interrupting the flow of the scripture.

3. Vermillion Ink for Liturgical Markings

In many manuscripts, these markers—ἀρχή and τέλος—were written in vermillion ink (a bright red pigment), which made them highly visible and distinguishable from the black or dark brown ink typically used for the main text. Vermillion (a mercury sulfide pigment) was often reserved for important or sacred text in manuscripts, such as titles, initials, or these liturgical cues. The choice of this color emphasized the importance of the reading instructions and the sacred nature of the liturgical setting.

4. Forms of Abbreviation

The words ἀρχή and τέλος were often abbreviated:

ἀρχή could be shortened to ἀρ or χʹ (chi with a stroke indicating abbreviation).

τέλος was frequently abbreviated as τέ or simply λʹ (lambda with a stroke).

This use of abbreviations is consistent with the broader practice of scribes who often employed shorthand notations for common words, especially in liturgical texts, to save space and time.

5. Manuscript Examples

Gospel Lectionaries (also known as Evangelionaria): These manuscripts contain gospel readings for the liturgical year. In such lectionaries, the words ἀρχή and τέλος appear regularly to guide the reader.

Apostolos Lectionaries: These contain readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles. They similarly show these markers for the beginning and end of readings.

6. Liturgical Use and Structure

Manuscripts containing lectionary markings were structured according to the ecclesiastical calendar, and certain readings were assigned to specific feast days or Sundays. These passages could vary in length, and the use of ἀρχή and τέλος was indispensable for the practical reading during church services.

7. Theological and Ritual Importance

The act of marking the text for public reading reflects the theological and ritual emphasis placed on scripture reading in Orthodox Christian worship. The marking of ἀρχή and τέλος in vermillion ink symbolically highlighted the sacred boundaries of each passage meant to be read aloud during the liturgy. These symbols were a visual cue that helped integrate the reading of scripture into the flow of worship, where timing and precision in reading were important.

8. Impact on Textual Criticism

For scholars, the presence of lectionary markings in later Greek manuscripts is of great interest. While these markers were not part of the original text, they reflect how the biblical manuscripts were used and interpreted within the liturgical context. They are a reminder that many manuscripts were not just copied for private study but were practical tools for public worship. The addition of these markings can sometimes impact how a text was transmitted, as some lectionary practices may have led to rearrangements or omissions of text to fit specific readings.

In summary, from the 8th and 9th centuries onward, the insertion of ἀρχή and τέλος or their abbreviations in Greek New Testament manuscripts—written in vermillion ink—played a crucial role in the use of the text for liturgical readings. These additions provided a visual and practical guide for where specific readings began and ended, reflecting the integration of scripture into the life and worship of the Byzantine church.