Abraham and Melchizedek Meet
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
The basilica is decorated with mosaic panels lining the walls of the central aisle. Each panel represents one or more scenes from the Old Testament, taken from the Pentateuch.
This panel shows the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, which is recounted in Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek is dressed as a priest with a short tunic and cape . In the sky above, Jesus Christ looks down and blesses the encounter. According to many church fathers, when God appeared or spoke in the Old Testament, it was God the Son. Melchizedek is also considered a type or foreshadowing of Christ in the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews.
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Abraham and Melchizedek Meet
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
The basilica is decorated with mosaic panels lining the walls of the central aisle. Each panel represents one or more scenes from the Old Testament, taken from the Pentateuch.
This panel shows the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, which is recounted in Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek is dressed as a priest with a short tunic and cape . In the sky above, Jesus Christ looks down and blesses the encounter. According to many church fathers, when God appeared or spoke in the Old Testament, it was God the Son. Melchizedek is also considered a type or foreshadowing of Christ in the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews.
Follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia