Monthly Archives: September 2011

The Astonishment of Sisoes | Contemplating Death

Posted on September 16, 2011 by iconreader

After the fall of Constantinople in 1452, there appeared among the newly subjugated Greeks an image of a 4th century ascetic Saint, lamenting over the tomb of an even more ancient, pagan, Emperor: Alexander the Great. This Icon, the Astonishment … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, History, Special Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Beheading of John the Forerunner and Baptist

Posted on September 10, 2011 by iconreader

Sunday (September 11) is the commemoration of the Beheading of John the Forerunner in the churches which follow the old calendar. The icon above is late 19th century of Russian origin, carrying the inscription: Усекновение главы святого Иоанна Предтечи.

Posted in History, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

The Nativity of the Theotokos Icon

Posted on September 8, 2011 by iconreader

Together, the Great Feasts serve to tell us the story of the Incarnation, which has its climax in the centre of the year with the celebration of the “Feast of Feasts” – Pascha. It is therefore fitting that the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of the Incarnation, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments