Orans

18th c. Byzantine-style bronze panagia from Jerusalem, showing the Virgin Mary in the Orans position

Orans (Latin, praying) is a bodily attitude of prayer, usually standing, with the elbows close to the sides of the body and with the hands outstretched sideways, palms up. It is common in Christian art as early as the wall paintings in the Catacombs of Rome [link] and is still used in both private and communal prayer by both clergy [link] and laity [link].

External links

[Including an orans mural from Lullingstone Roman Villa, now in the British Museaum]

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