The Sixth Century Apse Mosaic at the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti in Kiti, Cyprus

Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Church of Panagia Aggeloktistia is a small but interesting church located in Kiti, Cyprus. The origins of this church date back to the fifth century and falls within the aegis of the Eastern Roman Empire -- but of course, at this point of Christian history, the distinctions between the Christian East and West were not so hardened and black and white as they would become within the second millennium. 

What is of especial interest here is the sixth century apse mosaic -- a mosaic that manage to survive while others parts of the original church fell into ruin and destruction. The mosaic features a beautiful image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, flanked on either side by the archangels Michael and Gabriel. 

Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the Virgin and Child. The names of the archangels are seen to either side, and above the Virgin, "Hagia Maria" (St. Mary)
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the Virgin
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the Christ Child
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Interestingly, the wings of the Archangels are done in such a way that makes them appear to be made of the feathers of a peacock, with their characteristic bright blue and green colours and eye-like shapes. Peacocks are, of course, symbolic in Christianity of eternal life, so there is some speculation that this is perhaps why this was chosen here. 

The Archangel Gabriel
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Archangel Michael (which has sadly suffered a fair bit of loss over the centuries)
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

As you look at these early mosaics, it is worth paying attention to the particular refinement in the way in which the figures are portrayed, for as we have often observed, the closer to antiquity mosaics tend to be, so too does their character tend to come with a particular delicacy and refinement that wasn't always seen in the later middle ages.  In this particular instance, the angels are especially beautiful in the way in which they were depicted.

Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the Archangel Michael
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the Archangel Gabriel
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the orb held in the hand of the Archangel Michael
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The border going around the apse is also quite beautiful, featuring Greek crosses, flora and fauna, as well as stags drinking from streams, various birds and other decorative motifs. It is not, of course, purely decorative though as these inclusions are purposefully tied to Christian symbolism, typically revolving around the symbolism of Paradise, the Garden of Eden, Eternal Life and other biblical themes. 

Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the border showing stags drinking from streams
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the border showing birds
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detail of the ornamental border
Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The lesson here is that whenever one looks at mosaics, one must never neglect to pause and consider these smaller details. 

We will conclude by sharing the mosaic as seen within its broader context, sitting within its apse, above the synthronon located behind the altar.

Byzantine Institute staff, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

-------

Do you like Liturgical Arts Journal's original content? You can help support LAJ in its mission and vision to promote beauty in Catholic worship either by: 

Making a one-time donation or

Subscribing monthly/yearly 

You choose the amount! Your support makes all the difference.