Parecclesion

A Parecclesion (Greek: παρεκκλήσιον, translated as "Chapel," romanized: parekklesion, lit. 'side-church')[1] is a side mortuary chapel found in early Byzantine churches.[2]

The parecclesion was often used for ceremonial and funerary purposes, which often consisted of services performed before burial, as well as services performed after to commemorate the individuals who have departed. This was a significant process that helped guide the community and helped the community understand the passage of the departed.[2][3][4][5] The ceremonies were arranged as soon as a person would pass away.

Many characteristics form a parecclesion, for instance, the church in which it is located, is an architectural aspect, most significant for its exterior and interior design. The similarities of parecclesions are how they are an additional chapel separate from the main church, which is why it is labeled as 'side chapel.' The parecclesion holds an important role in unifying the human and the Divine.[6] Most churches are sacred places considered to be a “Heaven on Earth.”[6] Because of its exterior and interior design, such as the inclusion of high ceilings and the iconography of religious figures depicted on the walls, it helps maintain a divine experience. They are typically adorned with Frescos portraying religious figures, while addressing various themes such as resurrection, salvation, hope, Life after death, etc.[2] These depicted scenes show the viewer what to expect at the end of time.[2]

There are two examples of existing parecclesions:

Parecclesion, c. 1316-1321, Chora Church, Constantinople (Istanbul)
  1. ^ Archaeology. Archaeological Institute of America. 1951.
  2. ^ a b c d "» Picturing salvation — Chora's brilliant Byzantine mosaics and frescoes". smarthistory.org. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  3. ^ "Church of Chora, Istanbul's Byzantine Marvel". Church of Chora, Istanbul's Byzantine Marvel. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  4. ^ "parekklesion". Oxford Reference. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  5. ^ Akyürek, Engin. "Funeral Ritual in the Parecclesion of Chora Church". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ a b Ousterhout, Robert (1995). "Temporal Structuring in the Chora Parekklesion". Gesta. 34 (1): 63–76. doi:10.2307/767125. ISSN 0016-920X. JSTOR 767125. S2CID 193301508.