Christianity, Culture & Art

Already from the first centuries of Christianity they recognized the importance of art in faith and worship.

The wall paintings unquestionably had a dominant place in the decoration of the churches.

Simple in materials and of smaller requirements compared to the mosaic, it is not used just to cover the surface of the wall, but representing the holy figures and the sacred events it taught faith, educated the believers and encouraged them in difficult periods of Christianity.

The mosaics, compared to wall paintings, create unquestionably a greatest sensation of brilliance. 

In the Byzantine period its art continually evolved and came to a climax, leaving few but important works that lasted through time, which even today breathe the aura of a glorious past. 

Contrary to the West, where they maintained the Roman tradition of depicting figures in three dimensions, in the East the icon is an integral part of the Divine Liturgy and an important item of the public and private worship.

As a bridge of communication between God and people, mediator of which is the figure shown, icons are the means of education, the “book for the illiterate”, as the Church Fathers mention characteristically.