Стенописната украса в трапезарията на Бачковския манастир и нейното ритуално предназначение
Murals in the refectory of Bachkovo Monastery and their ritual purpose

Summary/Abstract: This article discusses two seventeenth-century images in the murals of Bachkovo Monastery refectory. The first, “Virgin Mary in Paradise,” part of the scene “Last Judgement,” is in apse of the eastern wall. The second, “Deesis,” is painted in the abbot’s apse. The placement of the compositions is uncharacteristic for that time and this type of building. It underscores the central place of the image of Virgin Mary in the refectory and the monastery. Among the many meanings of the two figural compositions what stands out is Virgin Mary’s role as Mediatrix. This role of the God’s Mother relates, first, to repentance of liturgy during the Great Fast and, second, the refectory as a place of prayer. Mary as Mediatrix is indirectly related to the ritual “Raising of the Panagia,” performed in the refectory. It glorifies Virgin Mary in the context of the Eucharistic ritual.

• Details
• Contents