Monthly Archives: January 2011

Icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs

Posted on January 29, 2011 by iconreader

The Icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs shows a meeting together – a synaxis – of three of the greatest theologians in the Church’s history: Ss Basil the Great, John Chyrstostom, and Gregory the Theologian. Such “meeting” or “synaxis” icons are … Continue reading →

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The Mandorla in Icons – Revealing Mystery

Posted on January 29, 2011 by iconreader

An ancient symbol, the mandorla is the most concise way to express Christ’s majesty, glory and divinity in holy icons. It is found surrounding Jesus Christ in icons of His Resurrection, Transfiguration, Ascension, the Dormition, and of Christ in Glory. … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Theotokos Icon of Unexpected Joy

Posted on January 25, 2011 by iconreader

In the writings of St. Dimitri of Rostov there is an instructive narrative about a certain sinner who unexpectedly experienced the joy of repentance before an icon of the Mother of God. This event became so beloved of the Russian … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Resurrection | Icon of Victory

Posted on January 24, 2011 by iconreader

And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. – St Paul the Apostle At the centre of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ and His Resurrection from the dead. As such, … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, Resurrection Icons | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Boy George Returns Stolen Cypriot Icon

Posted on January 20, 2011 by iconreader

Cyprus’ Orthodox Christian Church on Thursday thanked former Culture Club singer Boy George for returning an icon of Christ that it says was stolen from a church in the breakaway north of the divided island. Boy George agreed to return … Continue reading →

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An Intimate Icon – George of Ioannina

Posted on January 18, 2011 by iconreader

This is an icon of the martyr Saint George, who was executed at the hand of the Turks by public hanging in the Greek city of Ioannina in 1838, at the age of 30. The icon is notable because it … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Euthymius of Sardis: A Witness for Icons

Posted on January 9, 2011 by iconreader

The Church has always understood that there is no greater witness to the Faith than to lie down one’s life for the Truth. Therefore, in the tumultus later centuries of the first millennium, when self-confessed Christians fought self-confessed Christians, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Russian Nativity Icon – the fuller story

Posted on January 6, 2011 by iconreader

As the “old calendar” feast of the Nativity is upon us (January 7), here is an Icon of the Nativity (Рождество Христово) from the city of Nizhny Novgorod, and dating from the second half of the 17th century. The icon tells a fuller … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Baptism of Christ | The Theophany Icon

Posted on January 6, 2011 by iconreader

From the first century of the Christian Church, there has always been “The Festival of Lights”. In the depth of Midwinter, this feast celebrated the advent of the Son of God’s coming into the world as Jesus Christ, and His … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Icons of Saints: Martyrs

Posted on January 2, 2011 by iconreader

The world offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Father of creation, The God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers through the Mother of God, Keep Thy Church in deep peace, O Most Merciful One. (Kontakion to … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments