Iconic Icons
- Posted by on June 6th, 2017 filed in Uncategorized
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This morning we left Thessaloniki to begin our journey towards Berea to visit a modern monument dedicated to the Apostle Paul. A multi-framed mosaic depicted scenes with Paul and students posed with a tall statue of Paul as if we were listening to his message.
We then visited a Jewish synagogue reconstructed in the 1990’s on the original foundations. The groundskeeper made special arrangements for us to be welcomed into the synagogue, it was very special to have the opportunity to be welcomed into the synagogue. The groundskeeper gave us a thorough lesson in regards to the history of the Jewish refugees who escaped from Roman slave ships and from Spanish exile. The columns of the synagogue were decorated with letters that were written by local school children who were encouraged to correspond with the Jewish children who were sent to Auschwitz that could have been their friends. This hospitable groundskeeper even allowed us to view and take pictures of the Torah, which was veiled behind two cabinets and a curtain.
We all got back on the bus to travel down the winding mountainous road towards Meteora. As per special request by Mrs. Dr Putt, we took a detour to visit the workshop of a well known iconographer and were given a brief tour of the process of iconography. After our long drive to Meteora, it was nice to have a break at this unique location. It was quite an amazing experience to watch the meticulous process used by the iconographer in his artwork. It was particularly entertaining to watch how passionate Dr. Putt became in seeing a fellow artist at work. Many students were so amazed by the process and the product that we purchased small keepsakes for ourselves and were thrilled when the artist signed the back of each of our icons with an elaborate design and signature.
Finally, we drove back to our Meteora hotel, while passing the magnificent views of the rock garden mountains surrounding the town. Students wondered if the awe of such amazing mountains ever wore off for the locals who see such We were treated to a lovely dinner, one of my favorite of this trip, and have the evening to rest.
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