Kourion Complex Palace (Mosaics) Fales, c. 1955 (1 of 2)De C. Fales (probably)

75

signifigance that in the Coptic [handwritten: these] dedication of a baptistery, the 113 [handwritten: 513 and 514 were] psalm was recited-in [handwritten: this] psalm, the pagan symbols were mentioned- the passage of Ezekiel in which the building of the temple with its reference to the measuring tool was [handwritten: 515] read, and the 121st psalm, [handwritten: 516] The rejection of the pagan symbols is analogous to our inscription [handwritten: ἀντὶ λίθων ---- ὁ Χριστός 517] ; the passage from Ezekiel, to the depiction of [handwritten: κτίσις] with her measuring tool, and the 121st Psalm, to the inscription [handwritten: 519] in the entrance room (19). Thus the three main distinctive parts of the baptismal mosaic floors may be associated with a dedication ceremony [handwritten: of a baptistery].

In addition to the dedication ceremony, there would have been one whereby the building was remitted to its use as a bath. Such a ceremony [handwritten: may] would have been analogous to that spoken above the baptismal water which had been [handwritten: 520] blessed but remains remained unused after the service.

There should, moreover, have been a room distinct from the actual [handwritten: 521] place of baptism such as the [handwritten: τριστήμον] at Kaoussie or the room with the mosaic of the deers at Salona. [handwritten: 522] Such a room would have used for instructional purposes. Any rooms, almost, of the building would have served for this purpose. Rooms (5,6,8, [handwritten: 11], 11), because they are next to the entrance room and may have had rows of steps and/or seats would, perhaps, have been more suitable than any others, [handwritten: see pp.]

It must, also, be pointed out that while the rite of baptism