Vol.I - The Coptic Orthodox Church

1 14 Ancient Coptic Churches. [CH. m.
the altar without passing from under the canopy :
but the centre of the canopy is not quite over
the centre of the altar.
The whole underpart of the dome is richly painted.
At each of the four corners inside, where the arches
spring from the pillars, is a large figure of an angel
kneeling :
a
glory shines round his head ;
his wings
are raised and outspread to the utmost on each side,
so that they follow the curve of the arch. Thus the
tips of the wings of the four angels meet together.
Just underneath the meeting tips of the wings, i.e.
at the point of every arch, a small circle is painted
enclosing a cross in red and gold colours. All the
four angels with uplifted hands grasp and hold above
their heads a golden circle. Within this circle is
another golden ring concentric with it, and in the
space between stand the four apocalyptic symbols,
each bearing a golden gospel and crowned with a
glory. They are divided one from another by circlesone
circle at each cardinal point of the : compass in
the eastern and western circles is an eight-rayed
star ; north and south are two suns or sun-like faces,
one eclipsed, one shining in strength. The inner
golden ring, or the centre of the dome, is charged
with a half-length figure of the Redeemer. The nimb
is lettered '0 ON : the right hand is raised in benediction
the left carries the book of the ; gospel. On
the dexter side of the head are the letters CX, on the
sinister Cl, curiously written backwards, instead of
1C XC, or Jesus Christ, The line of the figure
runs east and west, the head lying towards the
western star.
Each spandrel of the canopy outside, fronting the
choir and visible from it, is decked with a haloed