The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is a Byzantine church which features stunning mosaic decorations on its interior. This particular mosaic depicts a fictive scene of Abel and Abraham bringing their respective offerings to the altar of Melchizedek.
While Abel presents a lamb, Abraham stands with his son Isaac beside him. Both the lamb and Isaac represent Christ and foreshadow his later sacrifice for mankind. Also indicative of that gift is the presence of bread and wine on the altar, symbols of the sacrament.
The mosaic’s placement in the apse, the most sacred space in the church and where the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist is prepared, suggests the sanctity of both Christ’s sacrifice for us and the offerings we give to him.
Learn more about sacred spaces and places of worship in Ancient Christians: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints. (Chapter written by Matthew J. Grey).
South wall of the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare.