Orans

Among the subjects depicted in the art of the Roman catacombs, one of those most numerously represented is that of a female figure with extended arms known as the Orans, or one who prays.

Archive 2006-03-01 Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

Among the subjects depicted in the art of the Roman catacombs, one of those most numerously represented is that of a female figure with extended arms known as the Orans, or one who prays.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

Among the subjects depicted in the art of the Roman catacombs one of those most numerously represented is that of a female figure with extended arms known as the Orans, or one who prays.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 11: New Mexico-Philip 1840-1916 1913

One of the most remarkable figures of the Orans cycle, dating from the early fourth century, is the Blessed Virgin interceding for the friends of the deceased.

Archive 2006-03-01 Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

The custom of praying in antiquity with outstretched, raised arms was common to both Jews and Gentiles; indeed the iconographic type of the Orans was itself strongly influenced by classic representations.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

Imagine offering the litany of the saints "Holy N., pray for us" in the catacombs surrounded by images of the Orans over Christian tombs.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

Directly in front of Mary is a boy, not in the Orans attitude and supposed to be the Divine Child, while to the right and left are monograms of Christ.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

The custom of praying in antiquity with outstretched, raised arms was common to both Jews and Gentiles; indeed the iconographic type of the Orans was itself strongly influenced by classic representations.

Archive 2006-03-01 Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

One of the most remarkable figures of the Orans cycle, dating from the early fourth century, is the Blessed Virgin interceding for the friends of the deceased.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006

But besides these Biblical Orans figures, there exist in the catacombs many ideal figures 153 in all in the ancient attitude of prayer, which are to be regarded as symbols of the deceased's soul in heaven, praying for its friends on earth.

The orans position Fr Timothy Matkin 2006