greece - Index of

A PORTRAIT OF MAINLAND GREECE 21
UNDERSTANDING FRESCOES IN A BYZANTINE CHURCH
The frescoes and mosaics in churches’ interiors were organized
according to a standard scheme. Symbolically, images descended from
heaven (Christ Pantokrátor in the dome) to earth (the saints on the
lowest level). The Virgin was shown in the semi-dome of the apse,
with the fathers of the church below her.
Prophets
The Virgin and Child
are in the curve of the
apse, symbolically between
heaven (the dome) and
earth (the nave).
Archangels Michael
and Gabriel, dressed
like courtiers of a
Byzantine emperor,
honour the Virgin.
The Fathers of
Orthodoxy, here in their
episcopal robes,
defined Orthodoxy in
the early centuries.
Upper register of
saints
Choirs of angels
Windows in drum
Christ Pantokrátor
The dome is symbolically
filled by the figure of
Christ in Judgment, the
Pantokrátor. Choirs of
angels swirl around Him,
and outside them stand
the Old Testament
prophets. This dome comes
from Moní Perivléptou in
Mystrás (see p192).
The apse is often hidden from public
view by an elaborate iconostasis screen,
through whose doors only the clergy
are admitted. This apse is from Agios
Stratigós in the Máni (see p199).
Lower register of
saints
Sand-filled tray for
votive candles
The side walls are decorated in
registers. On the lowest level
stand life-size portrayals of the
saints, their heads illuminated
with haloes. More complex
scenes portraying incidents
from the Gospels or the Day of
Judgment fill the upper walls
and vaults. This church is at
Miliés in the Pílio (see pp218–20).
THE VIRGIN MARY
Icons of the Virgin Mary
abound in every Orthodox
church, where she is
referred to as Panagía, the
All Holy. Her exceptional
status was confirmed in 431
when she was awarded the
title Theotókos “Mother of
God”, in preference to just
“Mother of Christ”.
Eleoúsa, meaning “Our Lady
of Tenderness”, shows the
Virgin Mary brushing cheeks
with the Christ Child.
The Virgin seated on a
throne, flanked by two archangels,
is a depiction usually
found in the eastern apse.
Odigítria, meaning the
“Conductress”, shows the
Virgin indicating the Christ
Child with her right arm.