ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ

  During the period of the Empire, the clergy of the East were influenced by the fashion of their time, not only in everyday clothes but also in church vestments. In the 14th and 15th centuries we see clear elements of fashion in the performances. In the old Metropolis of Veria an Hierarch wears the early Byzantine cloth "mitre" not according to ecclesiastical custom, but like the hats of courtiers and the emperor. So did the Cardinals of the West. 1st photo: Hierarch with headdress. Veria 14th c. 2nd photo: Manuscript miniature of emperor Michael VIII, 15th c. 3rd photo: Saint Jerome in western clothes. Prague 1360. +E. G . ---------------------------------------------------- Την περίοδο της Αυτοκρατορίας οι κληρικοί της Ανατολής επηρεάζονταν από την μόδα της εποχής τους, όχι μόνον στα καθημερινά ρούχα αλλά και στα εκκλησιαστικά άμφια. Τον 14 ο και 15 ο αιώνα βλέπουμε στις παραστάσεις ξεκάθαρα στοιχεία μόδας. Στην παλαιά Μητρόπολη της Βέροιας ένας Ιεράρχης φοράει την πρώιμ...

February and March in ancient times were the months celebrating the rebirth of nature, Spring and fertility. In the Latin speaking part of the Roman Empire the Lupercalia were celebrated, while in the Greek speaking the Great Dionysia and the Anthesteria. Around the first Christians raged pagan orgies and cruel images of primeval deities. The same thing happened later, in christian Constantinople. Today the Carnival is harmless, then it was disastrous. The ancient Church accompanied the 40-day struggle of the catechumens in view of their baptism on Easter with the participation of all believers. In addition to the 40 days of fasting, instituted an additional preparation, 4 Sundays before the beginning of Lent, the so-called 4 Sundays "of the Triode". But in no way did not put forward the separation, the removal, the idea that dominates the Old Testament: "get away, get away, get out of there and do not touch uncleanness" (Is. 52,11) and "blessed is the man who ...

Around 1080 it was written and decorated in the Capital an important manuscript with the "Sermons of St. John Chrysostom". One of the miniatures depicts an eunuch monk, Savvas, in a black cloak, camel-colored tunic and black cap on his head, teaching the enthroned Emperor Nicephorus while holding a white staff from a manuscript resting on a wooden lectern. Nikephoros listens to him with his hand on his chest, accepting the "golden words" of Chrysostom. Above the icon is the inscription: You, the scepter-bearing man, you are exalted to the height of reign Delight in the pleasures of words Indulge the soul and clap your hands with joy Award your servants with a rich hand.   The very pious monk Savvas and Pr(…)   Nicephorus in Christ the God faithful king and Emperor of the Romans the Botaneiates. Perhaps Savvas is the initiator of the writing of the speeches and their commentator to Nikephoros. +E. G . ----------------------------- Γύρω στα...

One of the sermons of Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople in the 4th century, referred to the former magician and then bishop Cyprian and the martyr Justina. In the illustration of the 9th century in an imperial codex we see on the left Justina praying in front of the holy altar of the Christians, while on the right Cyprian sits, half-naked, like an ancient philosopher and behind him is the golden statue of a god. The roof of the christian altar and the pagan statue are similar, a dome rests on four columns. In fact, the christian altar is more brilliant than the idol's, it is gilded. Above is the face of Christ in circular radiant glory, as imago clipeata of Imperial Rome. Next to Cyprian a wooden table with a stool on it and a blue sphere with some designs, apparently the celestial dome with the zodiac, since then they did not know that the earth is spherical. At his feet a golden basin with two idols half-submerged in water, probably some kind of oracle. On the ...

  The musicologist Simon Karas said in a speech that the rhythm of the waltz was not discovered by the Viennese in the 19th century, but by the people of Constantinople, at least 1400 years earlier. Our ancestors cheered the Emperors of New Rome with three-pointed chants in the third tone: "Hagie God, Trisaye God, protect the kings, protect the Augusta, the purple-born children". This rhythm is of Roman secular music, yet the Church accepted it and included it in the worship of the feast of Hypapante Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, (Candlemas), an "imperial" celebration that was promoted by Justinian and his faithful composer and poet, Saint Romanus Melodos. In the matine prayer of the feast, the three-pointed imperial songs that were sung at the dinners of the Palace of Constantinople can be heard to this day: "Theotokos, the hope of all Christians, protect, guard, all those who have their hopes on You". In the photo, an older work of mine: T...