Art History Blog

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Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece.

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The Hosios Loukas Monastery shows how art and architecture can become a part of the theology and liturgy of Christianity.

It shows viewers the theology and liturgy of Christianity through narrative mosaics and frescos.

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Liturgy: Prescribed forms or ritual for public worship in any of various religions or churches.

Theology: A specific form or system of this study [the study of religious doctrines and matters of divinity], as expounded by a particular religion or denomination.

-Webster's NewWorld Dictionary, second college edition

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The Dome, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece

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The Dome

This dome is the most recognizable image of the Hosios Loukas Monastery.

It shows Christ Pantokrator in the center judging all those who dwell below him.

Theologically: the dome shows that Christ is high in the heavens and will judge the living and the dead.

Liturgically: the dome shows that you are in the house of God and should humble yourself in preparation for mass.

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The Baptism of Christ, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece

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The Baptism of Christ

This squinch is located to the left of the dome. Also on the left was the scene of the Annunciation, but this mosaic was lost to time.

Theologically: the mosaic tells the story of Christ's baptism as He accepts His role as Messiah.

Liturgically: the mosaic shows the beginning of the process that Christians must take towards salvation.

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The Presentation of Christ, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece

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The Presentation of Christ

This squinch is in the upper right corner of the dome. It shows the story of Mary presenting Jesus in the temple.

Theologically: the squinch shows the beginning of Christ's journey to become the word of God.

Liturgically: the squinch shows the parishioners how connected they are to Christ. They present themselves to the church every week that they attend.

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The Nativity, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece

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The Nativity

This squinch is located to the lower right of the dome and depicts the birth of Jesus.

Theologically: the mosaic tells the story of the birth of Christ. This is the second most important story behind His crucifixion.

Liturgically: the mosaic shows reason to celebrate. Christ was born, and Christians can be saved by following Him.

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Narthex

The narthex is the first portion of the building as you walk through. It is meant to give you space to prepare for mass and/or for processing through the church for mass.

The narthex of Hosios Loukas has four important mosaics.

From left to right: Jesus Washing the feet of His Disciples, Crucifixion, Jesus Pantokrator, and Anastasis

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Crucifixion, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece.

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Crucifixion

This mosaic is found in the narthex of the monastery, directly to the left of Jesus Pantokrator.

Theologically: the mosaic shows the death of Christ, one of the most important stories to Christianity.

Liturgically: the mosaic shows the sacrifice that has been made. It answers the question: why am I here?

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Jesus Pantokrator, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece

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Jesus Pantokrator

This mosaic is directly above the door from the narthex to the church. It shows Christ holding and pointing to the gospels.

Theologically: the mosaic shows that Jesus is the word of God. If you follow Jesus's teachings, then you are following God's will.

Liturgically: the mosaic tells the audience what to expect. When they enter this building, they will hear the word of God.

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Anastasis, Hosios Loukas Monastery, early 11th century. Phokis, Greece