Start Date

Explore matter, materials, and materiality in Byzantine art and culture; delve into topics including the Eucharist, relics, icons, church decoration, jewelry, and more as you experience Byzantine Materiality, a conference of the Sacred Arts Initiative, May 8 through 11 at St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVOTS).

Byzantine Materiality

The conference will continue a conversation that began in 2018, when scholars gathered on SVOTS’ campus to explore the theme of Byzantine materiality. Discussion centered around Byzantine and ancient theories of matter and form; the use and significance of materials such as wood, stone, gold, and glass in ecclesiastical and other contexts; the roles of matter and materials in the Eucharist, icons, relics, and reliquaries; the rite for consecrating a church; sensory experiences of liturgy; and the neuroscience of viewing icons.

Now, the public is invited to take part in the findings. Visit the Byzantine Materiality website to learn more about the conference, speakers, and daily schedule. Click below to register.

Byzantine Materiality has been made possible through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation.