| A cross divides the obverse into four fields, in each of which is the symbol of one of the four evangelists: the eagle for St. John, an angel for St. Matthew, a bull for St. Luke and a lion for St. Mark. In the centre is a richly decorated volume of the Bible. The inscription reads "Republik Österreich - 500 Schilling" (Republic of Austria - 500 Schillings). The date "2001" is at the foot of the cross. As model for his design, Thomas Pesendorfer chose an embroidered panel from a 12th century vestment (a Romanesque chasuble) belonging to the Abbey of St. Paul in Lavanttal. | | The reverse commemorates the missionary work of the apostles in the early Church. As model for this side the illuminated initial of one of St. Paul's epistles was taken, again from the Abbey of St. Paul in Lavanttal. It shows the bearded St. Paul holding a scroll (his epistle) and preaching the gospel to one of the early Christian communities. The rapid spread of Christianity outside of Palastine through the Imperium Romanum remains one of the astonishing features of the apostolic era. The missionary activity was a commission from Christ Himself, and has been carried out by all Christian confessions down to the present day. |
