In addition to protecting Europe from eastern invasions, maintaining Greek and Roman languages, producing fine art with distinctive style, protecting the Christian Orthodox Church, the Byzantine ...
The art of Byzantium, that decorates churches ... with vast knowledge who harmonically combined the ancient, classical world with Orthodox Byzantine spirituality." “And that ...
An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The 'Holy Mountain ... and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art.