\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 This panel painting representing Christ and the abbot Mena comes from the monastery of Bauit.\par
The word \i soter\i0 , savior, is i
nscribed in Coptic lettering alongside ChristÆs face. He has a precious evangeliary under his left arm and his right arm around the abbotÆs shoulders, as a sign of his protection.\par
The abbot, or \i apa\i0 as he is described in the inscription next t
o his face, is represented on the same plane as Christ. In fact the Coptic religion is based on a direct relationship with God and the legends of the saintsÆ lives often tell of divine visions.