The Holy Monastery of Saint Gregorios, Mt. Athos. The Wall-Paintings in the Katholikon

Description

The katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Saint Gregorios was painted in 1779 during the time of the Turkish occupation when “fear and slavery hung heavy over all”. However, the Orthodox Christians, who although besieged, were yet free (as our national poet said), continued to paint, and they did so in a manner that was true, authentic and creative. Their art is not a mere imitation, or a superficial reproduction devoid of originality: within the stream of Tradition it offers a new vision of the unseen. It is within time, but has something that transcends time. It is supposed that in it are the currents of the 18th century, but it goes far beyond them with its originality. The publication of this volume, with the gracious assistance of the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization is both meaningful and valuable. These humble and simultaneously splendid paintings reveal that Orthodox churches are places of theophany. With their iconography and the services carried out within them, they summarize everything relating to the creation and the economy thus proclaiming “Thou hast brought us from nothingness into being, and when we fell away didst raise us up again, and Thou ceaseth not until Thou hast done everything, to bring us to Heaven, and confer on us Thy Kingdom to come”. Foreword By Archimandrite Georgios, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Gregorios. Cover Contents Forewords I. The Holy Monastery 1. History 2. Exterior of the monastery 3. Art treasures II. The Katholikon III. The wall paintings 1. The main part of the church 2. The lity (inner narthex) IV. The theology of the beautiful and the beauty of theology. Observations on iconography and style a. The iconographic programme of the Katholikon b. Style c. Trends in Orthodox ecclesiastical painting in the 18th c. V. Pictures The wall paintings in the main part of the church The wall paintings in the lity VI. Architectural plans. Wall paintings layout Appendices Index of icons Glossary