Beholding The Sacred Mysteries

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.

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.

This collection of essays considers the development and meaning of the iconostasis, the screen used in churches to separate the sanctuary from the nave. The contributors approach the history of the icon screen from a variety of disciplines, including art history, theology, and architecture.

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)

‘Quid est sacramentum?’ Visual Representation of Sacred Mysteries in Early Modern Europe, 1400–1700 investigates how sacred mysteries (in Latin, sacramenta or mysteria) were visualized in a wide range of media, including illustrated religious literature such as catechisms, prayerbooks, meditative treatises, and emblem books, produced in Italy, France, and the Low Countries between ca. 1500 and 1700. The contributors ask why the mysteries of faith and, in particular, sacramental mysteries were construed as amenable to processes of representation and figuration, and why the resultant images were thought capable of engaging mortal eyes, minds, and hearts. Mysteries by their very nature appeal to the spirit, rather than to sense or reason, since they operate beyond the limitations of the human faculties; and yet, the visual and literary arts served as vehicles for the dissemination of these mysteries and for prompting reflection upon them. Contributors: David Areford, AnnMarie Micikas Bridges, Mette Birkedal Bruun, James Clifton, Anna Dlabačková, Wim François, Robert Kendrick, Aiden Kumler, Noria Litaker, Walter S. Melion, Lars Cyril Nørgaard, Elizabeth Pastan, Donna Sadler, Alexa Sand, Tanya Tiffany, Lee Palmer Wandel, Geert Warner, Bronwen Wilson, and Elliott Wise.

As Catholics, the Mass should be a mountaintop experience for us. Often, though, we go through the motions at Mass without an appreciation for what has really happened. Popular speaker and author Mark Hart helps Catholics move beyond the repetition and ritual to see the Mass for what it really is: a heavenly banquet, a wedding feast, in which heaven and earth meet. In his engaging style, Hart guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the Mass—its roots in the Jewish Sabbath, its sacrificial character, and its signs and symbols. As we are told to “go in peace,” he inspires us to see the Mass as a place to be nourished so that we can further Christ’s mission in the world. In the last part of the book, Hart provides pithy answers to frequently asked questions, such as “Why can’t I leave right after Communion?” or “Why did the words change?” Finally, Hart offers ten things we can do to get more out of Mass.

Every Saturday for a number of years, Christopher Howse has written in The Daily Telegraph a column under the title Sacred Mysteries. This replaced the old Meditation column written by Edward Norman. Howse's articles are invariably sparked off by some current event but his ruminations are always profound, wise, quirky and well informed. His column demonstrates the very best in religious writing in the sense that his thoughts are spiritual; but also communicate to people who never darken the doors of a church. Christopher Howse's weekly dose of spiritual wisdom has been deeply appreciated by countless readers of The Daily Telegraph. This book is published at their insistence.

Are you settling for half the story? Highlighting connections that have been hidden from non-Jewish eyes, Rabbi Jason Sobel will connect the dots between the Old and New Testament, helping you see the Bible with clarity as God intended. Most people—even people of faith—do not understand how the Bible fits together. Too many Christians accept half an inheritance, content to embrace merely the New Testament, while Jewish people may often experience the same by embracing only the Old Testament. But God has an intricate plan and purpose for both the Old and the New. In Mysteries of the Messiah, Rabbi Jason Sobel reveals the many connections in Scripture hidden in plain sight. Known for his emphatic declaration “but there’s more!” he guides us in seeing the passion and purpose of the Messiah. Mysteries of the Messiah: Uncovers connections between the Old and New Testaments Connects the dots for readers with details about Jesus, the Torah, and biblical characters Written with the unique perspective of a rabbi with an evangelical theological degree No matter how many times you have read the Bible, Mysteries of the Messiah will bring fresh perspective and insight. God’s Word, written by many people over thousands of years, is not a random selection of people and stories. Rabbi Jason Sobel connects the dots and helps us see with clarity what God intended.

This Book of Redemption is God's master plan to redeem his children back from the fall of sin caused by the serpent (Satan) in the beginning. Satan has deceived the whole world with his lies and has caused the people to sin against their creator. This book will reveal that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in One PERSON, manifested in flesh, and existed from eternity past to eternity future and that He is Supreme, not God in three persons, blessed trinity, but One God, One Person, who created the heavens and the earth in the beginning with three major titles, with three Dispensations manifesting those titles.