Fenestra coeli. The Virgin Mary Symbolized as the Window of Heaven in Images of the Annunciation

The current article tries to interpret the deep doctrinal meanings derived from the visual and textual metaphors related to the ray of light, the Sun, and other light elements. underlying the symbol of the beam of light depicted in the images of the Annunciation of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. To undertake this goal, we will follow two methodological strategies based on comparative analysis. Firstly, we will analyze some texts through which many Greek-Eastern Church Fathers interpret several biblical terms, such as Sol iustitiae, lux mundi, and other similar expressions as metaphors that symbolize God the Son incarnate. Secondly, we will analyze eight images of the Annunciation from the 14th and 15th centuries that include a ray of light emitted by God the Father towards the Virgin Mary. From the comparative analyzes between both sets, texts and images, we will conclude that this ray of light represented in such Annunciations is a visual metaphor that illustrates the textual metaphors deciphered by the Greek-Eastern Fathers from the Biblical expressions mentioned, as a symbol of Christ, "Sun of Justice” and“ light of the world”, which is incarnated to redeem Humanity from the darkness of error and sin.
 

This article deals with the most crucial philosophical and theological issue of correlation of freedom, freedom of will, and Divine predestination, which arose in shaping the Christian doctrine and remains emergent for contemporary Russian culture and society. This problem permeated all the centuries of Christianity’s formation, beginning with the period of apologetics, but it reached its climax in the classical Patristics epoch during the Byzantine Trinity and Christological theological disputes between the Western and Eastern Church Fathers. In theological discussions, they formed subtle differences, characterizing the discrepancy between Eastern and Western Patristics representatives’ views. We analyze the creative heritage of Greek-Byzantine (Eastern) Patristics, influencing the relationship between human freedom and Divine predestination, also conducting some comparative analysis with Western Patristics. The attention is also focused on the subtleties mostly of the Greek Church Fathers’ comprehension of connections between free will and freedom of choice, which correlates with human rationality, high morality, and choice of deification as a movement towards God. Philosophical reflection of described ideas of Eastern Patristics is also carried in conjunction with Christian soteriology, that is, the doctrine of spiritual salvation and eternal life. A prominent place in the article is given to some ideas of deification, the moral perfection of personality, and the Absolute spiritual ascent. The article stands on the original teachings of prominent Saints of Eastern Christianity—Maximus the Confessor, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa, John of Damascus, and Justin Martyr as a predecessor for both the Eastern and Western Patristics. This article also examines the refraction of the ideas of Church Fathers in contemporary Russian culture and philosophical studies of Patristics and Byzantine philosophy. Adhering to the Russian academic tradition of Byzantology, we present some implementations of Greek Church Fathers’ ideas, particularly on free will and Divine predestination, in the works of gifted Russian Byzantologist scholars. We try to attract the reader’s attention to the valuable Byzantine heritage in order to continue the tradition of studying the Church Father’s legacy in our country.

Important knowledge can be recovered from relational database (RDB) associated with some information system specific domains and converted to semantics. Studying the processes and Methodological Resources (MR) for this conversion has gained relevance in Knowledge Engineering and, particularly, in the Ontology Learning (OL) field. Such MR, organized in an appropriate manner under a methodological strategy, will make it possible to take advantage of existing tools for converting the cited RDB to domain ontologies. A comparative conversion-tool analysis, having considered the tools capabilities, learning levels and some advantages, has been useful for selecting and aligning those tools with the methodology applied to the case study. Finally, the methodological strategy design and its application under a Systemic Methodology for OL (SMOL) is shown.

This article tries to highlight the deep doctrinal meanings underlying the vase that is often included in artistic depictions of the Annunciation. This apparently banal everyday object has been deliberately placed there in a prominent position to symbolize the Virgin Mary in her condition as the virginal mother of God the Son, and the bearer of all virtues to the highest degree. As methodological resources to justify our iconographic interpretations of that symbol in these images, our study is based on the analysis of texts by several Church Fathers and medieval theologians, as well as numerous liturgical hymns, which for more than a millennium agreed to designate the Virgin Mary as a “vase”, “vessel”, and other types of containers. Thus, this ancient patristic, theological and hymnographic tradition legitimizes our iconographic interpretation of the “vase” included in fifteen paintings of the Annunciation produced by artists from Italy, Flanders and Spain during the 14th and 15th centuries.

This study aimed to present and offer a comparative analysis of ceramic artworks – primarily porcelain – produced by Western artists in the first quarter of the 21 st century, with a focus on identifying common stylistic features. The research methodology incorporated classification, art-historical analysis (including figurative-stylistic and formal approaches), and comparative analysis. The inductive method was applied to examine specific elements and details of the selected ceramic works. A historical and cultural perspective made it possible to trace changes in both the formal qualities of the pieces and the evolving consciousness of the artists and porcelain manufacturers who produced them. The article features artistic works created by prominent ceramic artists from Western Europe and North America during the specified period. The analysis of pieces by G. Locatelli, A. Reyley, M.R. Fischer, and V. Hegarty, among others – mainly crafted in porcelain – revealed recurring and comparable stylistic traits among artists working on different continents. A notable inclination towards the deconstruction of surface and form emerged as a defining characteristic of this period, echoing developments in early 20 th -century painting. Destruction and fragmentation have stood out as dominant themes in the early 21 st century. The artist served as a chronicler of history, inscribing it into material form. The tendency towards destruction was not only affirmed but also preserved by the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe: the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Augarten in Vienna, and the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Berlin. Founded during the period when porcelain was regarded as “white gold”, these institutions provide their facilities and technological resources to showcase the spirit of a new age. This shift reflects not only an awareness of contemporary trends but an acceptance of the realities they express – destruction and anti-form. For the first time, a comparative analysis has been conducted, identifying shared stylistic features in the ceramic works of Western artists from the first quarter of the 21 st century, some of which have been presented by Europe’s most renowned porcelain manufactories. The practical value of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the theoretical shaping of a new, major artistic style. The comparative approach and resulting conclusions may be of use to research institutions in the development of scholarly and methodological resources, academic curricula, and lecture courses on the history of stylistic developments and contemporary decorative and applied arts.

Apesar de ser uma categoria relativamente recente, os influenciadores digitais apresentam crescimento exponencial e significativa relevância, tanto no discurso midiático, como nas práticas do marketing, disputando estes espaços com outras figuras notórias. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir as rupturas e continuidades na concepção e na prática desse fenômeno, a partir de uma análise comparativa entre as tradicionais celebridades e essa “nova” categoria de influenciadores. Para tanto, foram utilizados como recursos metodológicos a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além da observação das ações de marcas − entre elas, o endosso de produtos por influenciadores digitais. Como resultado, de forma sucinta, infere-se-se que as celebridades despertam no público uma admiração de caráter aspiracional, distantes que são da sua audiência. Já a chave para compreensão dos influenciadores digitais é sua grande proximidade com o comum e cotidiano, se posicionando muito próximos a seus seguidores.

This study delves into the profound conceptualization of love as depicted in Christian theology, particularly through the teachings of Saint Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia. It explores the evolution of the term “love” from its origins in the Greek language and early Christian writings to the intricate theological expositions by the Church Fathers, with a focus on the contemporary insights of Saint Porphyrios. Despite his lack of formal education, Saint Porphyrios brought a refreshing and experiential perspective to the theological understanding of love. His teachings, characterized by a profound understanding and personal experience of divine love, offer insightful reflections on its transformative power. Saint Porphyrios articulates love not merely as an ethical imperative but as the essence of Christian life, embodying the union with God and theosis. Through a comparative analysis, this study aims to delineate how Saint Porphyrios’s theology of love aligns with, and expands upon, the traditional Christian understanding of love, offering both a continuity with and a deepening of this central theological concept.

In the real world, the index of refraction of a refractive object (caustic object) varies across the wavelengths. Therefore, in physically based caustic rendering, we need to take into account spectral information. However, this may lead to prohibitive running time. In response, we propose a two-step acceleration scheme for spectral caustic rendering. Our acceleration scheme takes into account information across visible wavelengths of the scene, that is, the index of refraction (IOR) (caustic object), light power (light), and material reflectance (surface). To process visible wavelengths effectively, firstly we cluster the wavelengths which have similar first refraction (air to caustic object) directions. In this way, all the wavelengths in a cluster can be represented by one light ray during rendering. Secondly, by considering the surrounding objects (their material reflectance from and visible surface area of the caustic objects) and light power, we compute the refinement amount of each wavelength cluster. Our accelerated algorithm can produce photorealistic rendering results close to their reference images (which are generated by rendering every 1 nm of visible wavelengths) with a significant acceleration magnitude. Computational experiment results and comparative analyses are reported in the paper.

The following paper is concerned with elucidating an account of forms of new localism as they relate to the concept of ‘habitele’, a conceptual framework that helps us understand new forms of relatedness in the digitally mediated world. In doing this it will also reflect back on the concept and draw out as yet unconsidered elements based upon issues of fluidity, mobility, and what we will call ‘distal-locals’. The paper is centred around two case studies: the first is of a smart phone app, vouchercloud and details the way that the offering of money-off vouchers rests on particular notions of the local; while the second is of a environment organization who uses information technology to promote their activities. It is premised upon a history of work in the sociology of science and technology studies (STS) and in particular a set of conceptual and methodological resources that helps to reveal the complexities of notions such as “the local”.

The research investigates the existing interactive virtual laboratories used in distance learning in natural sciences, focusing on their functions, potentials, and limitations. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was employed, involving a comprehensive review of recent scientific publications, methodological resources, and institutional documentation related to the use of virtual laboratories within the educational process. The selected platforms were analyzed for their effectiveness in facilitating remote science education through interactive experiments, simulation of scientific phenomena, and visualization of complex concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics disciplines. Key features identified across all platforms include high interactivity, gamification elements, accuracy, and adaptability to users’ needs. The study also established criteria to assess the educational efficiency of these tools. A comparative analysis revealed the advantages (engagement, flexibility, and conceptual clarity) and the challenges, including technical limitations and the need for pedagogical assistance in distance learning in natural sciences. As a result, the research proposes specific organizational and instructional recommendations to support the effective implementation of virtual laboratories. The outcomes are particularly relevant for higher education institutions aiming to enhance the professional preparation of future specialists in natural sciences, particularly during crises when distance learning is more applicable.

The role of women in the ancient church community was quite high. Church fathers and apostles regularly mention women as laborers, patrons, and probably heads of congregations. At the same time, in polemical literature against heresies, one can regularly find reports that heretics, by whom the teachers of Gnosis are most often meant, also actively employ female representatives for certain purposes. With regard to Gnostic communities, however, assessments of women’s participation in certain activities are always negative. In this article a comparative analysis of the role of women in proto-orthodox Christian communities and Gnostic schools is carried out. Based on the sources, the author concludes that women’s participation in the proto-orthodox community and Gnostic schools, at least in the first two centuries of the birth of Christianity, resulted in a similar role in them, although there were some differences in the degree and scope of women’s involvement in religious life and cultic practice, as well as the functions they performed.

This study aims at ascertaining the existence of an organic legal policy in marriage matters, one which was followed by Roman Emperors in the IV and V centuries, in particular by Constantine. It is also aimed at showing that this policy corresponded to Christian ideas as expressed by various Church Fathers. This research was carried out in a careful way with attention to the chronology of the writings examined, and with a comparative analysis of every single essay that was subsequently treated.

Since the Church fathers, oneirology and dream revelations were regarded with considerable suspicion among theologians and ecclesiastical authorities, though dreams remained a powerful and pervasive feature of religious expression at a popular level. Among converts in Ming-Qing China, where lay initiatives were necessarily important given the paucity of European priests, holy dreams were crucial in the formation and consolidation of a powerful religious subculture. The following is a version of the keynote address delivered at the Fourth Biennial Meeting of the Religious History Society, in July 2004 in Newcastle, Australia.

Introduction. Traditionally, several books of the OT are ascribed to King Solomon, but, according to Jewish tradition, he wrote only three biblical books, viz.: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. According to early Christian, early Byzantine and medieval Armenian interpreters, this order of books in the Solomon trilogy is not accidental. Although in the Christian tradition, this order of books has been attested already from the first centuries, nevertheless, today there are discrepancies and not only about the order of the books in question. Each of these books brings forth a certain semantic and symbolic meaning. They are connected with each other, being, as they were, “steps of the stairs” on the way to knowledge, not to mention the fact that each of these books occupies its worthy place in the treasury of human thought. Methods and materials. These circumstances make the appeal to questions related to Solomon’s tripartite, which are worthy of research using a method of a comparative analysis of various sources. Such a conviction is supported by new data concerning the issues under discussion provided by Armenian sources. Among these testimonies аn important role will be assigned to the use of unpublished yet manuscripts on the topic. A special place is occupied by the codex, which contains an Armenian medieval isagogical collection of the late 12th – early 13th centuries. Analysis. It was compiled by the abbot of the Sanahin monastery Grigor, son of Abas, and is known under the provisional name Book of Causes. The full title of the book is attested only in one manuscript – the most important and earliest from all that have reached us, stored in the Mashtots’ Matenadaran under the number 1879. This medieval textbook includes isagogical questions or prolegomena (presented in Armenian manuscripts under different names, mainly “cause”, “beginning” – hence the Book of Causes) to the all canonical books of the Bible and to the so-called “subtle” writings. The “subtle writings” are certain works that include the writings of both “external” (in relation to Christianity) as well Christian (mainly – “church fathers”) authors. Being of a philosophical and religious character they serve sort of a connecting link, and not only between the OT and the NT. The “subtle writings” were irreplaceable when using philosophical ideas to prove or refute one or another dogmatic position or postulate. As far as can be judged today, this title of certain works has survived only in Armenian; there is no doubt, however, that it had its prototype, at least in the Greek tradition. From the above it follows that the Book of Causes is significant also by the fact that it contains mainly Armenian translations of the introductions to the Bible commentaries of the Church Fathers. Along with them, the Armenian original prolegomena to interpretations are presented here as well. In this manual, there are several prolegomena related to Solomon’s trilogy. Results. These chapters not only confirm the data of early Christian and early Byzantine authors, but also provide some interesting evidence that has not come down to us from other sources (as far as I know). I hope that suggested here analysis of Armenian sources, especially the testimonies from the unpublished isagogical textbook called the Book of Causes will contribute to the international knowledge concerning the discussed questions.

This article aims to explain why, in some European representations of the Annunciation, a bundle of rays of light comes from the mouth of God the Father toward the head/ear of the Virgin Mary’s. In order to find a satisfactory answer to this problem, the author first studies a series of biblical, patristic, theological, and liturgical sources referring to the supernatural human conception of the Word of God in Mary’s immaculate womb. He then analyzes twelve images of the Annunciation that present this peculiarity. Finally, through a comparative analysis between the doctrinal texts and these exceptional images, the author concludes that the latter illustrate as visual metaphors the textual metaphors contained in the writings of some Church Fathers, medieval theologians, and liturgical hymnographers; that is to say, the beam of rays of light emitted by the mouth of the Most High to the Virgin’s head/ear metaphorizes the human conception/incarnation of the Word of God in the virginal womb of Mary.