Introduction : the practice of Christianity in Byzantium / Derek Krueger -- Lay piety in the sermons of John Chrysostom / Jaclyn Maxwell -- The cult of the martyrs and the Cappadocian Fathers / Vasiliki Limberis -- Romanos and the night vigil in the sixth century / Georgia Frank -- Shrines, festivals, and the "undistinguished mob" / James C. Skedros -- The layperson in church / Sharon E. J. Gerstel -- Death and dying in Byzantium / Nicholas Constas -- Icons, prayer, and vision in the eleventh century / Charles Barber -- Objects of devotion and protection / Brigitte Pitarakis -- The religious lives of children and adolescents / Peter Hatlie -- The devotional life of laywomen / Alice-Mary Talbot.