Clues To The Past In Monastery Art

A Coptic Christian Orthodox Monastery in Lower Egypt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Throughout the world is an amazing display of some of the most amazing artwork known to the ancient and modern world. Displays painted by the master Michael Angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci still hang in the Roman Catholic Vatican, dating to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Also displayed throughout the world is an exquisite array of early Christian art, originating in Egypt and Syria, dating from 200-1100 AD. Though much of this art has been lost due to decay and destruction, much of it can still be seen mysteriously lining monastery walls and adorning Egypt’s tombs.

Artwork from this period is said to have been painted by biblical Luke, Pope Marcius, and Pope Gabriel III. Luke is said to have painted pictures of the virgin Mary, specifically the “Black Madonna of Czestochowa” or “Our Lady of Vladimir,” and of Peter and Paul. Saint Thomas Christians in India claim to have one of the drawings of Mary, hanging in a church there, brought to them by Thomas. Such drawings can also be seen in monasteries and churches in Egypt, Africa and throughout the world.

The paintings in Egypt which line monastery walls, inner sanctuaries and desert tombs tell Christian stories to allowing observers to understand the bible.  They can be seen by visiting the many monasteries scattered throughout the desert.

One of the most famous monasteries is Wadi El Natroun’s El Sourian (The Syrian) monastery, where an amazing display of ancient art, preserved monotheistic caves, and hidden Christian history can be found. The artwork contained in the Saint Mary Church within the monastery compound has been studied by Holland. Artwork can also be seen in Bagawat, in the Al Karga Oasis in the western desert, and several other key locations throughout Egypt.

English: Frescos from the Syrians monastery of Wadi Natrun in Egypt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most of the monasteries do allow for pictures, however, there may be some restrictions, such as no flash on cameras. If you plan to take pictures, take a high quality camera. As you might imagine monasteries were not built with modern technologies in mind. Monasteries have high ceilings, few windows, and a shadowy, mid-evil, cave like feel to them. Even given the dark rooms and high ceilings, you’ll end up with amazing photos of early Christian biblical history retold and a truly authentic, unforgettable experience. You’ll observe biblical history in art and rediscover the early church in a way few others ever will.

Also keep in mind monks still live on monastery grounds and learn the value of prayer and monotheistic lifestyles. Visitors are not allowed in areas where priests, monks and bishops live, no matter how tempted you are to investigate the beautiful scenery, and forest like paths.

You’ll also find a mysteriously built compound, often behind high walls and steel doors. You’ll find stairs that seem to lead to other stairs, covered holy of holy rooms,  tunnels of doors whose use seems to have been abandoned, and at El Sourian, a draw bridge used to hide part of the church if under attack. Unique bell towers, Syrian wall inscriptions to Roman Emperor Constantine, and written prayers surrounding holy relics and timeless artifacts can also be observed, which is a tradition of the Coptic people. The practice of placing handwritten notes at holy sites is a centuries old tradition throughout the middle east.

This will all lend to thoughts of knights, moving walls and secret rooms, dancing upon the imagination and will add to the charm of an authentic historical experience. Tempting as it may be to climb monastery stairs to investigate, keep in mind often these lead to restricted areas. You may find yourself being shooed away from dwellings of bishops.

The early eastern Catholic church in Egypt and Africa was  founded by biblical Saint Mark, whose Egyptian church history is richly ingrained into the oral stories, and traditions of the Coptic people. This history was lost to most of the world when western and eastern Catholic churches split centuries ago.

Today the eastern church is the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church. The worship practices observed in the Coptic churches date to the time of Christ himself, and are virtually unchanged even today. You’ll find a people that have sacredly observed, solemnly practiced, and painstakingly preserved not only Christian artwork, but also prayers, style of worship, and historical relevance of the church itself.