The twelve domes and west wall in the main church of St Paul’s are all thematically linked as “visions of God.” Of the twelve domes, six of them are figurative, and the other six are not. The figurative domes are split in half, so there are three domes with Old Testament visions (Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel), and three domes with New Testament ones (Stephen, Paul, and John). The remaining six, non-figurative domes contain the cross with a wreath of victory, and they recall the vision of Constantine who was told “by this sign you shall conquer.” These domes were kept non-figurative as their chandeliers (also containing the same cross motif) slightly obstructs them. On the west wall is the ultimate vision of God- the transfiguration.
This arrangement is heavily inspired by the recently uncovered sanctuary dome in the Monastery of the Syrians in Scetis. It is the product of three proposed themes, with the current iteration being chosen in collaboration with the bishops to reflect the reality of the liturgy. All the domes also have an underlying theme of the Eucharist/the Church, and the six figurative domes can also be thematically linked in sets of two–each with an Old and New Testament episode—Stephen with Daniel, Paul with Isaiah, and John with Ezekiel. The theme is also inspired by the pivotal moment in the life of the saint of the church- St Paul the Apostle.
visions of God
This dome depicts the vision of John the Beloved, or the “Theologian” as described in the book of Revelation. The dome lies in proximity to the west wall, where John is shown in his youth, experiencing the vision of the Transfiguration on mount Tabor. Between the visions in his youth and old age, John realizes and expresses the divine identity of Christ in his ministry.
The dome of St John is also paired with the dome of Ezekiel, with both visions including the appearance of the four living creatures. The four creatures hold a significant role in Christian Liturgy, art and tradition. An Encomium on the Four Living Bodiless Living Creatures attributed to St John Chrysostom vividly describes how Copts perceived the role of the four creatures throughout their tradition. They are intercessors, and “God the Craftsman established their face so that they might intercede on behalf of the one whose face they bear.” They are also associated with the four evangelists (Matthew : Man, Mark : Lion, Luke : Ox, John : Eagle). Both John and Ezekiel–in their visions–are also fed pieces of writing, whether in the form of a book or scroll- which the Church fathers interpret as an image of the Eucharist, the consumption of the Word:
In the Encomium, the creatures are given names, which, as intercessors, they ‘share’ with us to describe God: Kheroubiel: ‘God who makes all things alive’, Zeraphiel: ‘God who gives light to the entirety’, Baroukhael: ‘God who is compassionate to everyone’ and Dothiel: ‘God who gives to everyone who asks Him’
Opposite of St John is the woman clothed with the sun, as described in John’s account of his vision (Revelation), and explained in the Thursday Theotokia and patristically as the Virgin Mary and the Church:
“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars… Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place.”
(Revelation 12)
I saw a miracle that appeared in heaven, a woman was clothed with the sun, and the moon also was under her feet : and a crown of twelve stars upon her head, being pregnant she cried out in pain to give birth. This is Mary, the new heaven on earth, the Sun of Righteousness, shines upon us from her. For the Sun that is clothing her, is our Lord Jesus Christ, and the moon under her feet, is John the Baptist. For the crown of twelve stars, upon her head are the twelve Apostles, who surround her, and honor her.
(Thursday Theotokia)
The Four Creatures and the Mother of God gather around the viewer, along with John, to intercede to the Creator during liturgy.
In the dome of Ezekiel’s vision, Ezekiel, dressed as a priest, receives a scroll to consume and is surrounded by four creatures, much like in John’s vision. The creatures here alter slightly, however, and appear as Ezekiel described them: “And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings” (Ezekiel 1:6). Wheels appear between the creatures, also as described.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.