Byzantine Culture and Art

Greek Orthodox Christianity

Greek Orthodox Church

All Christianity (Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism) emerged from the same origin.

They just differ in the interpretations of the Bible, or doctrinal issues.

These issues could be so serious that splits occurred.

Orthodox means “right believing” in Greek. (Ortho – correct).

Differences Between the Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox 1. Greek Heritage – is prevalent in Orthodox

Church.

Latin fathers of the Christian Church rejected the Greek heritage because of its pagan origins, but Orthodox fathers incorporated it instead.

2. Lay (non-clergy) participation – lay people could become part of the Church hierarchy.

Emperor was the head of the Church in Constantinople, was always a lay person (They were protectors of the Church).

In Catholic Church, non-clergy person could never do that.

Differences (cont.) 3. Mysticism – a belief in the Eastern

tradition that a person could reach a mystical connection directly with God.

The Catholic Church stated that no person could have a direct connection, had to go to a priest.

4. Icons (holy images) – this became a very big problem between Catholics and Orthodox

Christians.

The icons were useful in that time because many people were illiterate and they could learn about God that way.

It was considered inspirational for devotion to God.

Art and ArchitectureArt and Architecture Greek Orthodox Christianity and imperial Greek Orthodox Christianity and imperial

patronage enabled the Byzantine Empire to patronage enabled the Byzantine Empire to develop a unique style of art and architecture.develop a unique style of art and architecture.

The Church of HagiaThe Church of HagiaEirene (Church of St. Irene). Eirene (Church of St. Irene). It is believed that ConstantineIt is believed that ConstantineBuilt it himself in the 4Built it himself in the 4thth

Century.Century.

Hagia Sofia The most spectacular Christian cathedral built in

Constantinople was the Church of Holy Wisdom.

Built between 532-537 during reign of Justinian.

This church was the major one in Constantinople for the emperor and patriarch.

All major ceremonies were held there.

Hagia Sofia became a mosque after 1453 and is now a museum.

Byzantine domed Byzantine domed church.church.

There are some Christian mosaics that persisted in this church nevertheless.

Defense of ConstantinopleDefense of Constantinople

Byzantine emperors found it necessary to defend Byzantine emperors found it necessary to defend their capital at all costs, and some constructed their capital at all costs, and some constructed walls to protect the city.walls to protect the city.

• Greek and Roman traditions Greek and Roman traditions were preserved in the Byzantine were preserved in the Byzantine

Empire.Empire.

Byzantine ArtByzantine Art

Inspiration Inspiration provided by provided by Christian religion Christian religion and imperial and imperial power.power.

Mosaics in public Mosaics in public and religious and religious structures.structures.

Icons – Holy Images Icon comes from the Greek word “image.”

Subjects of icons include Christ, the Virgin Mary, Biblical figures, saints.

Iconographers must live a holy life so as to express sacred and divine mysteries.

Christ Pantocrator Christ, “the ruler of all

things.”

Depicted blessing with his right hand and holding the Gospels in his left hand.

The head of the Lord is always depicted with a halo.

CrucifixCrucifix Crucifixes were the Crucifixes were the

most common type most common type of art.of art.

In the West, at this In the West, at this time, the portrayal time, the portrayal of crucifixion was of crucifixion was absent, but it absent, but it existed in the East.existed in the East.

BishopsBishops Bishops are at the top of the hierarchy of Bishops are at the top of the hierarchy of

the Eastern Orthodox Church.the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The bishop’s job is to shepherd the The bishop’s job is to shepherd the church and protect it from heresy.church and protect it from heresy.

Bishops were also often depicted in Bishops were also often depicted in icons.icons.

The Holy Angels Angels are the messengers

of God.

Their icons often adorn the side doors of altar screens as guardians of the Holy Altar.

Archangel Michael is the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts.

Depicted holding a scepter and the orb of the world.

Saints Saints are members of the Church of

Heaven.

They can be asked to pray to God on behalf of others.

They are role models of the Christian way of life, a way that continues to find persecution.

Greek and Roman culture survived Greek and Roman culture survived with the Byzantine Empire.with the Byzantine Empire.

Continued flourishing of Greco-Roman Continued flourishing of Greco-Roman traditions.traditions.

Greek language (as contrasted with Latin in the Greek language (as contrasted with Latin in the West).West).

Greek Orthodox Christianity.Greek Orthodox Christianity.

Greek and Roman knowledge preserved in Greek and Roman knowledge preserved in Byzantine libraries.Byzantine libraries.

Bosporus Strait – connects the Mediterranean and Black Seas