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The Art of Devotion is now on display in the Bulmash Exhibition Hall in Chalmers Library!
In traditional Byzantine thought, the objects on this page had the power to bring Jesus Christ and the saints directly and materially into space they were kept in. The two pendant crosses and the amulet were wearable containers for relics, or objects associated with a holy site or person that were believed to hold special powers. By carrying these items — and the relics they contained — on their bodies, the wearers brought the real manifestation of God with them during their day.
The wooden panel is not a container, but an icon. It depicts the Mandylion, a towel that was printed with Jesus’s portrait when he pressed it to his face. The two “Fools for Christ” are shown venerating this cloth-relic because Jesus forever exists in the Mandylion through his bodily contact with it.
These objects allowed their carriers — or their viewers in the case of the icon — to have a personal experience with Christ and holiness, as if the spirit were in the room with them.
What are your personal icons or relics? Do you own any objects that hold spiritual meaning for you, or bring you divine aid in a time of need?
Pectoral Reliquary Cross with the Crucifixion and the Mother of God
Pectoral Reliquary Cross with the Crucifixion and the Mother of God
This cross pendant type was mass produced during the Byzantine Empire to hold relics associated with the wood of Christ’s Crucifixion, also known as the True Cross. Wearable reliquaries provided a personal avenue to God, and protected their owners from bad luck and demonic attacks. This example is well loved: detailed areas are worn away, such as the faces of the Mother of God and the Evangelists, likely from its owner rubbing it to activate its powers.
Pendant Reliquary Cross
Pendant Reliquary Cross
This pendant cross was worn around the neck like the other pendant cross described above; however this particular reliquary is special. While both crosses served the purpose of carrying relics, this one is bigger, heavier, and made with precious materials. According to the lengthy inscription on the back, it was custom made for the wearer to carry important relics such as stones and other pieces of earth from sites associated with Christ’s life.
Amulet with Saint Spyridon
Amulet with Saint Spyridon
Wearable items like this amulet often contained some type of relic associated with the figure that they depicted. Saint Spyridon is shown lying in repose on one side along with a depiction of relics of the Crucifixion on the other. While the original contents are not known, it may be suggested that the amulet held a relic from the saint’s shrine in Corfu, such as dirt or a potsherd, which would reference one of Saint Spyridon’s early miracles.
Icon with Saints Procopius and John of Ustyug, "Fools for Christ"
Icon with Saints Procopius and John of Ustyug, "Fools for Christ"
This wood panel depicts the Mandylion, a special Byzantine relic that was “made” not by human hands. It was believed to have been made as a result of Christ’s touch, when he pressed a towel to his face. Not only did he imbue the cloth with the sweat from his brow, but he also imprinted it with his image. Therefore, his essence was truly present in the Mandylion, and in all subsequent icons of this relic. Saint Procopius and John of Ustyug, known as “Fools for Christ”, are caught in a moment of veneration. They look to Christ, represented on the Mandylion, because the Mandylion is exactly like venerating Christ in the flesh.
The information on this page was provided by Mark Lang, Maya Fair, Edward Moreta, and Lucy Adams.
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