The synthronon and locus inferior (αρχιερατικός θρόνος) of the metropolitan of Pozega. Liturgical furniture and wall paintings of the Orahovica Monastery

Abstract

The paper discusses the appearance of the synthronon, the position of the locus inferior (αρχιeρατικός, or δeσποτικός θρόνος, the episcopal throne in the nave, donje mesto) of the Metropolitan of Požega at the Orahovica Monastery, fresco paintings inspired by the purpose of the throne in front of the sanctuary, and the views it incorporated. The synthronon is in fact a series of niches. The locus inferior has not survived; based on the fresco program, the author places it between the southwestern pillar and the southern wall. The fresco decoration of the locus inferior - one of the largest in Serbian art - is both centered on the topoi of the throne program and unique. Christ and the apostles from the apostolic Deisis draw on the teaching about Christ as the eternal leader of the liturgical community and the apostolic roots of the church and the office of bishop; by emphasizing the presence of St. Andronicus and St. Titus beside the seat, the program incorporates the tradition of the apostolic lineage of the church among the Slavs and in the Metropolitanate of Požega. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 177036: Srpska srednjovekovna umetnost i njen evropski kontekst]