The Everburning Candle... On the Tracks of Christianity of Asia Minor
 

Continuing the Asia Minor theme, this half-hour documentary looks at the history of the church in Asia Minor, from its beginnings until the early 20th century. While the film's main focus is on buildings, the human element is also prominent: the viewer is introduced to the festivals, rituals and to the extraordinary characters - warrior, Saint and smuggler - that bring this exploration alive.

One of the major themes in this journey of discovery is the continuity between the Classical, Christian and Muslim elements in Asia Minor. By way of example, the film shows the church of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, one of the many churches built on the ruins of ancient Greek monuments. Of particular significance is the documentary's 3D presentation of the church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Bithynia, built at the end of the 7th/beginning of the 8th centuries and totally destroyed in 1922. But of the churches that were not destroyed many remain in use today as holy places, having been converted into mosques.

The documentary begins with a tour of the coastal cities of Asia Minor. In Ephesus the church of Ioannis Theologos is shown, a church originally built on the apostle's grave but which is now, after successive waves of destruction, under the aegis of the Christian Archaeological Society. Another church maintained today by an international institution is the church of Saint Nikolaos, founded in the 4th century by Saint Nikolaos, Metropolitan of Myra.

Moving on from Ephesus to the fertile land of Kirkinge, the documentary traces the origin of certain Christian festivals to ancient rituals and in particular to invocations to the fertility god. In Pergamum the temple building itself, dedicated to Serapis, was transformed into a church.

But finally the tour comes to an end. In Aivali, formerly Kydonies, while there are few Christian remains, the viewer is shown those snatches of colour and architectural style that reflect the vigour of a town which, during its heyday, counted 11 churches and 2 monasteries; and which, more generally, reflects the prosperity Hellenism enjoyed in Asia Minor until the beginning of the 20th century.

Narration: Anna Zimali
Scenario-Director: Dimitris Loukopoulos
Music: George Mouloudakis
Photography: Nady Francis
Production Director: Gina Petropoulou
Research: George Pilihos
3D Graphic Director: Vangelis Christodoulou
Scientific advisor on architecture: John Svolos
3D Graphics: Vangelis Christodoulou (supervisor), Abraham Onassiadis, Ilias Mihailidis
2D Graphics: Lydia Abastado
Titles: Abraham Onassiadis, Ioannis Arvanitis, Manos Vichos, Ioanna Pitsounis
Editing: George Dialektopoulos, Theodoros Kapetanakis
Recording: Studio 19
Post Production: Cinergon

 




The videos are for sale at the Museum Shop, in the Cultural Centre of FHW, as well as other locations in Greece and abroad. For further information contact the Museum Shop of the Cultural Centre, tel.: (+30) 212 254 0000 or write at sales@ime.gr.

Price includes VAT 19%


















   
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