The inscription (Formula) on this lovely oil lamp says: "Christ's light enlightens all" This is the most recurrent phrase in Byzantine oil lamps. It was an acclamation by which the deacon, during vespers in the Byzantine rite of the presanctified ( celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays during lent). showed the faithful the lit candle symbolising Christ the light. The latin liturgy preserves this formula in the "Lumen Christi" (The light of Christ) acclamation at the begining of the Easter Vigil.

This lamp introduce us to an inscription that is easily recongnisable by the stylised flight-of-steps design on the sides of the nozzle. The formula "christs light eblightens all" is never accompanied by other words or phrases. Between the nozzle and teh infundibulum there is only a stylised pakm-tree design, and not a cross.

Measurements: Length: 11 cm - Width: 7.5 cm

Condition: Intact, not repaired and not restored.

Found south of Jerusalem, Holy Land