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Catacombe di San Gennaro
Ci troviamo davanti alla più antica immagine accertata di San Gennaro . Il santo è raffigurato al centro della composizione ed è chiaramente identificato dall’iscrizione posta sopra il capo: Sancto Martire Januario , ovvero Santo Martire Gennaro . La figura è circondata dal nimbo , all’interno del quale compare il monogramma di Cristo . Ma cos’è il monogramma? Si tratta…
We are faced with the oldest confirmed image of Saint Januarius.
The saint is depicted at the center of the composition and is clearly identified by the inscription placed above his head: Sancto Martire Januario, that is, Saint Martyr Gennaro.
The figure is surrounded by a nimbus, within which appears the monogram of Christ.
But what is the monogram?
It is the intersection of the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Ro (Ρ), the first and second letters of the name Christós, that is, Christ. This symbol, among the oldest in Christianity, is often accompanied by the letters alpha (Α) and omega (Ω), the first and last of the Greek alphabet.
Alpha and omega represent the beginning and the end of all things, visually affirming the theological meaning of Christ's presence as the principle and fulfillment of history.
In this depiction, the monogram is not just a decorative element, but a powerful sign of faith, directly linking the martyrdom of Saint Gennaro to the mystery of Christ himself.