The Legacy of Joseph Barnabas in Cyprus

Today we walked to the Cathedral of Saint John, one of the most revered churches in Cyprus. Built in 1662, the church is actually quite small and is located in the courtyard of the much larger palace of the archbishop. I would not have guessed that such a plain exterior would enclose a wealth of Eastern Orthodox art. I was not allowed to take pictures, but the following link takes you to a photo of the artwork that covers the ceiling and walls. It is from a news story regarding Pope Benedict’s trip to Cyprus in 2010, and it also reveals the clothing worn by Orthodox priests. Scroll down to the last photo on the web page.

http://cantate-domino.blogspot.com/2010/06/more-photos-of-pope-in-cyprus.html

In Orthodox belief, while standing in church, one is surrounded by saints from the past. The paintings reinforce the belief that you gather with the great crowd of God’s people including those from biblical times to the present. The images, which depict a wide variety of biblical events and later events as well, come down the walls and stop at the height of the people gathered in the church.

In the news photo, notice the depiction of Christ Pantokrator (the all powerful, ruler of all) on the ceiling directly above the head of the pope and the archbishop. From this position of primary importance radiate all the other paintings.

Also, note the iconostasis, the golden wall filled with icons behind the pope and the archbishop. The iconostasis, which does not go completely to the ceiling, separates the nave, where the people gather, from the sanctuary, where only the clergy go. Symbolically, the iconostasis provides a link between heaven (the holy of holies) and the nave (the holy place).

The icons are teaching devices. They remind Christians of Bible stories and reinforce Eastern Orthodox theology. Lynne and I will attend some Orthodox worship services during our time in Cyprus. Given the fact that our theological tradition differs so much from Greek Orthodoxy, it will be interesting to experience a gathering where the physical setting and the approach to worship represent an ancient tradition rich with symbolism.