May 3, 2010

Today at dailydevotions.org: We could take a cue from Orthodoxy, whose priests stand with their backs to their congregation, leading a liturgy that is neither clever nor impassioned, but simply beautiful, like stone smoothed by centuries of rhythmic tides. It’s an austere ritual, in the sense of — there’s nothing new here; it’s sublime, in...

Feb 20, 2010

Today we commemorate the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. We know it's the day we bring icons to church, and celebrate the restoration of the icons after the iconoclast heresy long ago. But even though icons are highly visible, the Triumph of Orthodoxy does not simply mean we can have icons.

Sep 28, 2009

...There is much more to this than the mere act of seeing. To see an icon requires that we also be in relationship with that which it represents. To read the Scriptures rightly is to encounter the Truth and, in some measure, to be changed in the encounter.

Nov 26, 2008

This wall painting, depicting the Healing of the Paralytic, is the earliest known representation of Jesus, dating from about 235 AD. The painting was found in 1921 on the left-hand wall of the baptismal chamber of the house-church at Dura-Europos on the Euphrates River in modern Syria.

Jul 29, 2008

Dura Europos in Syria was founded by Alexander's lieutenant, Seleucus Nicator. The town was captured and destroyed by the Sassanids in 256 AD. The site did not attract significant attention until 1921, when mural paintings were discovered, notably synagogue frescoes dating from 235 AD...