Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

 

IMG_4246 [Dafni mosaic]

Τhis is one of the many mosaics found on the walls of the Katholicon (the church)

of the byzantine Dafni Monastery in Athens (11th c.).

It depicts the scene of Christ’s birth.

 

 

The following images are parts of the mosaic,

enlarged to show details.

 

Top left

 

 Three angels look at newborn Christ.

 

Top right

 

A fourth angel is announcing the great event to the shepherds.

Bottom left

 

At the entrance of the cave, we see Virgin Mary,

and next to her, the Holy Infant lying on the manger.

Behind the manger there are two animals:

the normal tenants of the cave!

Bottom right

Josef is looking at Infant Christ.