This Month's Issue

In the northern part of Naples, Italy, the Catacomb of San Gennaro started as a pagan burial place in the second century, and Christians began to use it around the third century. Over a 300-year period, as the church grew, they placed the remains of many local bishops and believers there. Like other early Christian catacombs, San Gennaro was decorated with frescoes and mosaics, some of which still remain visible on its walls and ceilings. In 2009 researchers found frescos portraying Bitalia and Cerula.

Story by Carina O. Prestes

In the fifth century, the priest Peter Illyria built the Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome over a former house church. Above the door of the main entrance there is a mosaic portraying two women: one is identified as representing the church of the circumcised and the other as representing the church of the Gentiles. Both are portrayed with the familiar hand gestures displayed by religious teachers of that era and hold a large open book (likely the Bible). Such iconography was typically used to identify bishops. In addition, the woman representing the church of the Gentiles holds a cloth over her left arm, which only priests used when serving the eucharist.

Story by Carina O. Prestes

Histoire par V. Michelle Bernard

Rubén Ramos, vice-président des ministères multilingues, a rappelé lors de la réunion du Comité Exécutif de septembre dernier de l’Union de Columbia les objectifs du département pour 2016-2021 et a encouragé chaque membre à s’impliquer dans le partage de l’Évangile.

Story by Tiffany Doss

At the recent Potomac Conference pastor/teacher meeting, administrators recognized outstanding educators and pastors for the work they have done. This year they gave special appreciation to four professionals: