The Adriatic coast city of Ravenna is an absolute delight—a small, clean, northern-style town that is very walkable. There are several Romanesque basilicas decorated with mosaics that would floor even the most jaded tourist, and there are no crowds to see those jewels, especially when compared with the anxiety-inducing throngs of Florence and Venice. The city of mosaics can be visited in one day, during which you can make an art trip into the Roman Empire’s past glory.
I have been to Ravenna to see its mosaics many times. My favourite is Sant’Apollinare in Classe where there is this magnificent scene of Melkizedek, the eternal priest, at the altar with bread and wine, flanked by the righteous Abel offering the pure sacrifice (lamb) on the one side, and Abraham with Isaac on the other.
The ‘Arian’ connection is interesting as the question of Jesus’ “essence” (ousía) was THE theological controversy of early Christianity and why we have Eastern (more Arian and/or Nestorian leaning) churches (e.g. Syriac, Aramaic speaking) and the Western church, including the Catholic church. There is also some fascinating indication that this same question led to the history of Islam.
I am completely awe struck! Who could ever deny the presence of God in our world. Thank you Nina for bringing this to Solari readers and viewers.
Incredible and so edifying. Thank you for the brief respite in beauty.
I have been to Ravenna to see its mosaics many times. My favourite is Sant’Apollinare in Classe where there is this magnificent scene of Melkizedek, the eternal priest, at the altar with bread and wine, flanked by the righteous Abel offering the pure sacrifice (lamb) on the one side, and Abraham with Isaac on the other.
The ‘Arian’ connection is interesting as the question of Jesus’ “essence” (ousía) was THE theological controversy of early Christianity and why we have Eastern (more Arian and/or Nestorian leaning) churches (e.g. Syriac, Aramaic speaking) and the Western church, including the Catholic church. There is also some fascinating indication that this same question led to the history of Islam.