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> Hosios Loukas > Katholikon church > 
The Narthex
This is the transition from the secular universe to the divine realm.
Imagine it sparkling by candle light.
As you enter above you is the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist and two angels.
Above the entrance to the nave is Jesus. He holds the Bible open to "Behold I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will neve walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
At the top, Constantine (who pronounced tolerance for Christianity in 313) and his mother are flanked by saints Thecia and Agatha. Saints Eugenia, Febronia and Anastasia are on the lower row.
Doubting Thomas. The church is not found of him (note how he has been erased here) but his story is to establish that the powerful Jesus is the same one who walked with us and knew our problems. (Note that there are 11 disciples here - Judas is already out.)