The word “Gospel” (in Greek εὐαγγέλιον) means “good news”. For Christians, it designates the good news about salvation and a new covenant between God and people. Four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — are considered canonical and inspired by God (that is, written under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit). They describe the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, His miracles, death and resurrection.

The exhibition “The Art of Mstyora” presents an oldenprint Gospel bound in red velvet. Previously, it was housed in the sacristy of the Church of St. John the Merciful. The front side of the cover is made of yellow metal with a relief embossed image. Compositionally, the image consists of separate framed scenes: in the center is Deisis — the image of Savior on the throne with the Mother of God and John the Baptist; on the left — the Crucifixion of the Lord; on the right — the scene of the Deposition of Christ. Above them, the New Testament Trinity is depicted in the center; on the left — the apostle and evangelist John the Theologian; on the right is Matthew the Evangelist. The central scene at the bottom of the cover illustrates the arrival of myrrh-bearing women to the cave and the appearance of an angel; on the left is Mark the Evangelist; on the right is Luke.

At the corners of the central medallion there are four circles with half-length images of saints: at the top left — Basil the Great, on the right — Gregory the Theologian; at the bottom left — John Chrysostom, on the right — Nicholas the Wonderworker. The entire composition is framed by a relief ornamental frame along the edge of the cover.

On the back of the cover, in the center there is a stamped medallion — an image of an eight-pointed cross with rays emanating from it. The corners of the cover are decorated with triangular overlays with a rounded bulge in the center and rays.

An entry explaining the provenance of the exhibit is left on the pages of the book,