 Though the text itself is actually a series of homilies delivered by Gregory from the fourth century, many of the illustrations bordering the text have nothing to do directly with sermons themselves, and actually serve as contextual backdrop orchestrated by Photios, to draw parallels between the fall of Iconoclasm and the enduring faith of Greek Orthodoxy.For instance, the council of 381 is illustrated several times throughout the condemnation of the Arian heretics, despite the fact that St. Gregory was never present at that particular meeting.Important segments of text meant to be read carefully are punctuated with large golden symbols, and the paintings throughout are done using colorful tempera.