The Art of History; The Frescos in Sumela Monastery

By Busra Mese

Sumela stuck to the traditional decorations of monasteries and churches. Some selected scenes from the bible are portrayed in the frescos. Additionally there are depictions of the life of Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and the apostles.

OUR LADY OF THE SIGN

Our Lady of the Sign is a particular type of icon of Virgin Mary. She is usually depicted facing the viewer directly, either full length or half, with her hands raised in the orans position, and with the image of the Child Jesus depicted within a round aureole upon her breast in this icon.

In this particular fresco, Virgin Mary is facing the viewer directly as usual. Jesus the child is at Virgin Mary’s stomach level and he is making benediction signs with both his hands. There are halos on top of Jesus Christ’s and Virgin Mary’s head. In frescos and icons, halos represent faithfulness and sanctity. However, on Jesus Christ’s halo there are also letters that describe him.

HODEGETRIA FRESCO

In this fresco, Jesus Christ is leaned on Virgin Mary’s left shoulder. These frescos are called Hodegetria which means guiding spirit. “Theotokos Enthronos” which in fresco iconography is described as a depiction of god as an old man with a beard, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, Virgin Mary and Jesus the child sitting on a throne, Cherubim and Seraphim angels carrying the throne are depicted together. Also the archangels Michael and Gabriel, and saints took place on the left and right sides of Virgin Mary.

CHRIST PANTOCRATOR FRESCO

In the Christ Pantocrator fresco there is a depiction of Jesus Christ, he is making a benediction sign with his right hand and holding the holy bible with his left hand. The benediction sign is an expression that Jesus Christ is and will be the chief prophet forever. The position of the three fingers together symbolizes the one god and the other two fingers symbolize the dual nature of Jesus Christ as a human and a god. In the fresco Jesus Christ is blessing the people around him and there is a scripture around Jesus that writes “I am the glory and light of this world”.

RECEPTION AT THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ was welcomed at his birth in two important receptions, one at Jerusalem and one at the sanctuary.  Virgin Mary brought Jesus the child to the sanctuary and she welcomed the Saint Simon who came to the sanctuary through him.

JESUS THE CHILD FRESCO

In another fresco depiction, Virgin Mary holds Jesus the child in her arms. It is believed that Jesus the child seemed the age of thirty which he would be baptized, when he was 40 days old.

BAPTIZM FRESCO

In this fresco Jesus Christ is being baptized, his legs positioned as if he is walking naked in the Jordan River by his cousin St. John the Baptist who is 6 months older than himself. 3 angels are holding towels behind him.  After Jesus Christ comes out of the water being baptized, the sky will clear up and the spirit of god in the form of a dove will come and land on Jesus Christ’s shoulder. A voice from the sky will say “This is my own dear son with whom I am pleased”

ALACA MIRACLE

In many frescos in the monastery the miracles of Jesus Christ are depicted. One of them depicts Jesus Christ touching the eyes of a boy who was blind from birth and also suffered from vitiligo and healing his eyes with his touch.

AUTHORIZATION  OF SAINTS

Jesus Christ gathered his believers and gave authority to perform miracles to 12 of the saints. This scene is also known as The Holy Generation Scene. The authorized disciples are known as the 12 apostles today.

CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS

During the crucifixion, Jesus Christ’s head is slightly tilted to the right. His mother is pictured on his right and Saint John is on his left. In the background are the walls that represent Jerusalem. Above his head there is the written charge against him that says “this is Jesus, the king of the Jews”.

THE ASCENT OF JESUS CHRIST INTO HEAVEN

In Christianity people believe that Jesus didn’t die but he ascended into heaven. There are many depictions of the ascension in frescos and icons.  the sky. In the scene Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene who came to anoint Jesus’ corpse, the soldiers who ran away after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus, and Jesus Christ ascending from his casket as a beam of light are depicted. Also the angels in a cloud halo are witnessing the resurrection of Jesus. There are scars from the crucifixion on both of his feet.

THE SPIRIT OF VIRGIN MARY

In the scene Virgin Mary is lying down on a sarcophagus covered in cloth and Jesus is holding a baby which symbolizes Virgin Mary’s soul. There are two angels on each side of Jesus who are waiting to take Virgin Mary’s soul to heaven. On her foot side is Paul the Apostle and on her bedside is Saint Peter who is swinging a thurible. In the front Archangel Michael is depicted cutting off the arm of a Jewish priest who is trying to disturb Virgin Mary. Also there are apostles, the dignitaries of the church, and the women of Jerusalem.

PROPHET JONAH FRESCO

A great fish, appointed by God, swallows Jonah after he tried to escape God. He stayed within the fish’s maw for three days and nights. When he prays for deliverance he is released back on dry land. In this fresco Jonah being released from fish’s maw is depicted.

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave. I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, `I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God, when my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (Jonah 2)

DAY OF THE APOCALYPSE

In Christianity people believe that Jesus Christ will bear witness of the believers and take them to heaven. In this scene Jesus Christ is on the throne in the middle and the believers surround him. The fresco is a depiction of the day of the apocalypse.

We described some of the frescos of the Sumela Monastery. However, it can never be compared to seeing it with your own eyes and experiencing the atmosphere. If you ever have the opportunity we encourage you to visit the monastery and experience the magical atmosphere for yourself. You will be amazed.