Кодикологически особености на Песнивеца на цар Иван Александър
Codicological Peculiarities of the Pesnivetz of King John Alexander

Summary/Abstract: The well-known but insufficiently researched Psalter, written in 1337 (Sofia, BAN 2) is considered from the viewpoint of its codicological peculiarities, specific textual structure and content in relation to decoration and illumination. Given certain historical facts and circumstances, it could be assumed that a monastic circle of Hesychasts was responsible for the fulfilment of the royal commission. To confirm or reject their role, however, still more evidence is needed as well as for answering the question in which of the monastic colonies, connected with the capital Turnovo, the manuscript has been produced. According to the author’s suggestion the Psalter served as a means to convey a message to the ruler, reminding him of his duty to observe orthodoxy. Looking for an explanation for the immediate reason that stood behind it, another hypothesis is offered, that it was the expected envoys of Pope Benedict XII, tolerated by John Alexander, who made the king’s spiritual guides be on the alert.

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