Color Plates

Procession of Women Saints

St. Apollinare Nuovo Church, Ravenna, Italy. Nave left wall, mosaic. Late fifth century.

See Saving Paradise, 198-200.

Before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint… But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian… For as many of you as were baptized in Christ have put on Christ…there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:23-28.

Note: The wreaths held by the women are often seen as crowns of victory. They also can be seen as bridal crowns. Men carry them as well as women. In the early Christian baptismal ritual, people of every gender came to the fount as brides.

(Alternate Image: St. Apollinare Nuovo procession of women.)