Saint Basil, Christmas Issue Icons, Republic of Cyprus

Saint Basil, Christmas Issue Icons, Republic of Cyprus

Postage stamps--Cyprus--History

Γραμματόσημα--Κύπρος--Ιστορία

The visual arts which flourished in the Byzantine Empire that lasted a thousand years, formed the foundation of Western Christian civilization. Frescos and icon paintings with their vivid colors and powerful expressions were symbols of the faith they nurtured. Cyprus, as part of this empire contributed to this enlightenment by having its own icon and fresco painters whose works have survived to this day. All three scenes depicted on this issue are from icons painted in the Byzantine style. The 15 cents stamp is that of Saint Basil, known as Basil the Great (c.329-79) bishop of Caesarea and one of the greatest of Greek fathers. He lived for a while with hermits in the desert and was a model of philanthropy.
In this painting he is holding a membrane where an extract from his speech "About Charity" is written. His feast day is celebrated on 1st January in the Eastern Church and on the 2nd January in the Western Church.

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Library of Cyprus University of Technology

Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology

25th November 1991

Designer: D. Demosthenous

Απαγορεύεται η δημοσίευση ή αναπαραγωγή, ηλεκτρονική ή άλλη χωρίς τη γραπτή συγκατάθεση του δημιουργού.

www.cypruspost.gov.cy

TIFF

EL, EN

Image

1991-CHRISTMAS-15C

35.160417, 33.346556

Alex Matsoukis, Athens