Sharon Gerstel evokes a wide range of written and painted sources in order to analyze the decoration of the Byzantine sanctuary from the perspective of its contemporary viewer, from monk to liturgical celebrant, from bishop to lay worshipper. In a new presentation of the sanctuary program, the author reveals to the modern reader what was and is manifest only to the clergy.
This examination of realia in Byzantine religious painting provides valuable information on Byzantine dress, household effects and implements, while introducing at the same time an alternative, literally 'objective', approach to the study of the formative processes of Byzantine art.
Sharon Gerstel evokes a wide range of written and painted sources in order to analyze the decoration of the Byzantine sanctuary from the perspective of its contemporary viewer, from monk to liturgical celebrant, from bishop to lay worshipper. In a new presentation of the sanctuary program, the author reveals to the modern reader what was and even today is manifest only to the clergy. In medieval Byzantium an artistic program developed behind the sanctuary screen for priests, whose actions and words were reflected in the painted decorations. Lay people were permitted to view certain parts of the painted program and the eucharistic celebration, but the sanctuary was increasingly obscured from them by curtains and icons. This book explores monuments from a single region (Macedonia) that range over a span of three hundred years (1028-1328). This period encompasses the beginnings of the new program, its establishment, and its expansion, and in the absence of surviving monuments from the Byzantine capital, Macedonia (now divided among Greece, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavian Republic that bears its name) contains an unbroken sequence of decorated churches. This detailed examination of a related group of monuments demonstrates the varying popularity of certain subjects and details of decoration, and how innovative approaches to Christian iconography were passed between painters and churches.
The Bible implores us to take a long look at Jesus, forcefully beckoning us to “come and see” through profound questions connected with Jesus’ death and resurrection. These questions drive us to consider not just the events themselves but also their meaning as we take a long look beneath the surface and find more of the never-ending treasures of Christ. In Captivated, Thabiti Anyabwile invites you to set aside your early lessons on politeness and stare (yes, do stare) into the mystery of the cross and empty tomb. Table of Contents: 1. Is There No Other Way? (Matthew 26:42) 2. Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:45-46) 3. Where, O Death, Is Your Victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55) 4. Why Do You Look for the Living among the Dead? (Luke 24:5) 5. Do You Know These Things? (Luke 24:17)
"Mystics believe that the Holy Grail represents our Real Self, or Higher Self. In eighteen chapters Elizabeth Clare Prophet, inspired by Archangel Gabriel, unlocks the mystery of true Selfhood in the ongoing quest for the Holy Grail. Each chapter unlocks a mystery of self and offers keys to the soul’s reunion with God, including unknown aspects of psychology, keys to self-discovery and self-fulfillment, lessons on karma. A formula for practical day-to-day self-mastery unfolds—transforming the spirit, arming us to meet each crisis, personal or planetary, with equanimity and empowerment. You will also come to understand the inner workings of the cosmos as you learn about the unseen forces that shape our existence and how the conflicts we see all around us are part of a great drama, a battle of light and darkness, that began long ago. And you’ll discover spiritual strategies for dealing with the most complex problems of our time."
Who is Jesus Christ? You've never met him in person, and you don't know anyone who has. But there is a way to know who he is. How? Jesus Christ-the divine Person revealed in the Bible-has a unique excellence and a spiritual beauty that speaks directly to our souls and says, "Yes, this is truth." It's like seeing the sun and knowing that it is light, or tasting honey and knowing that it is sweet. The depth and complexity of Jesus shatter our simple mental frameworks. He baffled proud scribes with his wisdom but was understood and loved by children. He calmed a raging storm with a word but would not get himself down from the cross. Look at the Jesus of the Bible. Keep your eyes open, and fill them with the portrait of Jesus in God's Word. Jesus said, "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." Ask God for the grace to do his will, and you will see the truth of his Son. John Piper has written this book in the hope that all will see Jesus for who he really is and will come to enjoy him above all else.
Explore the Book is not a commentary with verse-by-verse annotations. Neither is it just a series of analyses and outlines. Rather, it is a complete Bible survey course. No one can finish this series of studies and remain unchanged. The reader will receive lifelong benefit and be enriched by these practical and understandable studies. Exposition, commentary, and practical application of the meaning and message of the Bible will be found throughout this giant volume. Bible students without any background in Bible study will find this book of immense help as will those who have spent much time studying the Scriptures, including pastors and teachers. Explore the Book is the result and culmination of a lifetime of dedicated Bible study and exposition on the part of Dr. Baxter. It shows throughout a deep awareness and appreciation of the grand themes of the gospel, as found from the opening book of the Bible through Revelation.
Teter casts new light on the most infamous type of sacrilege, the accusation against Jews for desecrating the eucharistic wafer. The book recounts dramatic stories of torture, trial, and punishment.
This is a selection of 38 of the writings of John Todd Ferrier. They have been selected to show the profundity and scope contained in his writings, nearly all of which were spoken to groups of friends between 1918 and 1943. Though given many years ago, they are timeless and connect to all truly mystic teachings through the ages and the universal laws that underlie them.In the Foreword we read:Divine Mysteries is a book for those who acknowledge their spirituality and who are seeking a deeper understanding of the mystery of life. It is for those who feel deeply inspired and committed to discovering the Divine - God - the Father-Mother - the Source - the indefinable essence of all life within themselves, the finding of which brings a sense of coming home, of peace and one-ness with all that is beautiful in creation.Topics covered include:Meditation, Angels, our connection to the Universe and all of Life; the nature of the Soul, of truth, of consciousness, reincarnation and life in the beyond, a deeper understanding of colour and music and their relationship.All of these teaching show aspect of the message of Love, which Todd Ferrier brought through from higher realms.
The Catholic Faith begins and ends with Jesus Christ, culminating in the Eucharist as its Source and Summit. "Behold, it is I," Jesus says, and the faithful believe. Examining these words of Jesus, Fr. George Elliott and Dr. Stacy Trasancos provide some of the most convincing proofs for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist from Scripture, Tradition, and the scientific investigation of Eucharistic miracles. In three sections, they walk readers through: A holistic and contextual reading of the Bible which points to the words of Christ at the Last Supper: "This is my body," and "This is my blood," How the Church Fathers handed on the teachings of the Apostles to the early Church in the centuries following Christ's earthly ministry, How the data from the investigation of Eucharistic miracles begs the ultimate question of the certainty of faith. Do we need Eucharistic miracles to prove that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist? Should our certainty of faith be contingent upon Eucharistic miracles? The reader may be joyfully surprised at where the journey of this book will lead you, from the burning faith of the saints all the way back to Christ in the Gospels. It plainly sets forth the reality that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ. Just as in Biblical times, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is not a ghost and not a myth, but flesh and bone, hands and feet. "Behold," He said, "It is I."
