The Image Twelve-Years-Old Jesus Christ Talks to the Scribes in the Temple in the New Bishopric of Messеmbria in the Context of Altar Iconographic Program

Abstract

The Word of God is preached in the Church through images, texts, and
chanting. The depiction of the twelve-year-old Jesus Christ with the teachers
in the temple holds a special place among the murals in the Church of
St. Stephen (the New Metropolis) in Nessebar/Messembria, which is why
it is located in the altar area. This scene portrays Jesus Christ preaching in
the church in a manner similar to how bishops deliver sermons from the
“upper place” or the episcopal throne. This specific choice reflects the preferences
of the church donor, Bishop Christopher. In this way, the Christian
concept of the continuity of time is illustrated. The Divine Liturgy
is performed continuously—embracing the past, present, and future, and
spanning both Heaven and Earth simultaneously.