Sacred Art an Interpretation of the Doctrine of Faith. The iconographic ­program of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem

The place and role of art, especially sacred art, in the history of Christian preaching is evident. Sacred art was born with the first Christian communities, and long before the role of faith interpretation was taken over by theological texts – it was the first to conceal and reveal, explain and accompany Christian liturgical gatherings, thus earning the name of the „first great love” of Christian theology. One of the most beautiful and unique examples, in which word and image are intertwined, are the rediscovered and deeply researched mosaic cycles from the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Their creation overcame many differences of a doctrinal nature, uniting Christians of East and West. The result achieved, today only partially preserved, went down in history as an exceptional example, in which thirteen expressive doctrinal rulings, supported by magnificent iconography and ornamentation, became a coherent and, above all, complete interpretation of one of the basic dogmas – the Incarnation of the Word of God. This article describes all the elements that formed this monumental, for the Middle East, complex of Crusader-era medieval mosaics, executed by Byzantine, Greek and Syrian masters, with a huge contribution of imperial funds from Constantinople. The very summary of the Basilica’s iconographic program is evidence of its remarkable complementarity.