Ο σταυρός ως λατρευτικό αντικείμενο του πρωτοβυζαντινού ναού : Ένα παράδειγμα από την Κρήτη
Part of : Δελτίον της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας ; Vol.38, 1999, pages 71-80
Issue:
Pages:
71-80
Parallel Title:
The Cross as a Cult Object in Early Byzantine Churches : An Example from Crete
Section Title:
Articles
Author:
Abstract:
In the archaeological collection of Agioi Deka, close toGortys, is kept a fragment of the arm of an inscribed marblecross. It is 27 cm high. The width of the arm is 11 cm and itsthickness 10.2 cm. The inscriptions on the cross have beenpublished elsewhere (Guarducci, Gerola, Bandy). Here Ipropose a small addition to the previous readings of theinscriptions. Basing our calculations on the length of theoriginal inscriptions and the dimensions of the fragment,the original cross must have been approximately 80-100 cmhigh. It is possible therefore to produce a drawing that indicates its original appearance (Figs 1-3). Its inscriptionswere as follows:a) 'Άγιος ό Θεός, άγιος ισχυρός, άγιος αθάνατος, έλέησονημάς, επί 'Ιωάννου ό σταυρός.b) Αΰτη ή πύλη Κυρίου. Δίκαιοι είσελεύσονται έν αύτη.The cross can be dated to the 7th century. It is suggested thatits original position would have been in the nave of a churchsomewhere in the area of Gortys. Such a use is recorded intexts (Vita of Theodore of Sykeon, Michael Psellos, IoannesStaurakios) which have been examined by C. Mango and in aseries of studies by D.I. Pallas. Other marble crosses fromCrete, bearing similar liturgical inscriptions come to complement textual and archaeological evidence that testifies tothe cult of the cross within the nave of the church before theintroduction of a high templon. The reconstruction of longlost cult practices - a field to which Pallas contributed much -allows us, in turn, both to recognise archaeological evidencefor such a cult and even, on occasions, to locate it.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
