Dafni Monastery

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buildings. From the west entrance of the church we pass through the Gothic exonarthex, dating from the period of Cistercian occupation, and the narthex into the church, which ranks with Oàsios Loukás near Delphi and the Néa Moní on Chios as one of the three finest 11th century churches in Greece. The naos, on a Greek cross plan, is dominated - as in these other two churches - by a large central dome which spans both the central aisle and the two lateral aisles. From the dome the grave and majestic figure of Christ PantokrÁtor (Ruler of All) looks down. Above the entrance to the naos is the Dormition, in the narthex the prayer of Joachim and Anne, the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper. All these scenes show the mosaic art of the 11th century at its peak, a fascinating combination of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualization.

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From the west entrance we pass through the Gothic exonarthex, dating from the period of Cistercian occupation, and the narthex into the church, which ranks with Ossios Loukás near Delphi and the Néa Moní on Chíos as one of the three finest 11th century Byzantine churches.

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figure of Christ Pantocrator looks down. In the pendentives under the dome are four of the major themes of Orthodox iconography - the Annunciation (northeast), Nativity (southeast), Baptism of Christ (southwest) and Transfiguration (northwest).

Of the numerous other mosaics the following are particularly notable: north arm of cross: Raising of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem (northwest), Nativity of the Virgin and Crucifixion (northeast). south arm of cross: The Magi, The Risen Christ (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Doubting of Thomas (southwest).

Chancel: Mary between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Prothesis and diakonikon: Saints. Above door of naos: Dormition. Narthex: Prayer of Joachim and Anne, Presentation of the Virgin.

All these scenes show 11th century mosaic art at its peak, in a fascinating blend of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualisation.

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Crucifixion (northeast).

South arm of cross: The Magi, The Risen Christ (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Doubting of Thomas (southwest).

Chancel: Mary between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Prothesis and diakonikon: Saints.

Above door of naos: Dormition.

Narthex: Prayer of Joachim and Anne, Presentation of the Virgin.

All these scenes show 11th C. mosaic art at its peak, in a fascinating blend of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualization.

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Transfiguration (northwest). Numerous other mosaics have been preserved in the rest of the church. In the north transept are the Raising of Lazarus and the Entry into Jerusalem (northwest), the Nativity of the Virgin and the Crucifixion (northeast); in the south transept the Magi and the Descent into Hell (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Incredulity of Thomas (southwest).