This volume, third in the pioneering and acclaimed series of social histories of Christianity, introduces the religion of the Byzantine Christian laity by asking the question, “What did Byzantine Christians do?” During the 11 centuries between the foundation of the city of Constantinople in 324 and its fall to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, Byzantine Christianity developed as a distinct system of religious practice and devotion, different from the medieval Roman Catholicism emerging simultaneously farther west.
Drawing on the techniques of social and cultural history, this international team of renowned social historians offers glimpses into that distant past. Sermons, saints’ lives, hymns, canon law, and histories, together with architecture, icons, church decoration, and small devotional objects enable a rich description and lavish depiction of lay religion among ordinary Christians. We discover what ordinary Christians did in church, in their homes, and their workshops; we learn about the veneration of saints and the use of icons. We gain insight into how Byzantine Christians prayed and how often they attended services; how they celebrated, married, and mourned; how they interacted with priests, monks, nuns, and holy people; where they went on pilgrimage and why they visited shrines; how they transmitted religious values to their children; and how they performed acts of charity.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
