Category Archives: Didactic Icons

Icons of the Bosom of Abraham

Posted on December 31, 2017 by iconreader

The Sundays before the Nativity feast (Christmas) are dedicated to the Holy Forefathers and Ancestors of Jesus Christ. Among all the Old Testament Saints commemorated on these days, Abraham is perhaps the supreme example, being the common patriarch of Judaism … Continue reading →

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Icons for Lent 2013

Posted on February 26, 2013 by iconreader

The beginning of the Lenten period (but not the fast itself) is already upon us in the Orthodox church, with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee just past, and the Sunday of the Prodigal Son coming up. From … Continue reading →

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John the Apostle | The Theologian in Silence

Posted on May 7, 2012 by iconreader

The 8th of May is a feast day dedicated to the Apostle John, the Evangelist and Theologian. Among all the Apostles, the title “Theologian” is only bestowed upon St John, which attests to the spiritual heights to which he attained, … Continue reading →

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Saint George and the Dragon in Iconography

Posted on April 25, 2012 by iconreader

The wealth of images depicted in holy icons is overwhelming, yet one thing appears to unite them all. Despite not usually being painted in a naturalistic way, they are always concerned in depicting reality. In icons of the life of … Continue reading →

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The Crucified Monk | Icon of the Monastic Life

Posted on February 24, 2012 by iconreader

Around the entrance of refectories in Orthodox monasteries, there can sometimes be seen a shocking image of a monk being crucified. The unnamed monk silently reposes on the cross, whilst around him he is assailed by terrifying demons and skeletal … Continue reading →

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An Icon of an Icon of Repentance | The Prodigal Son

Posted on February 12, 2012 by iconreader

The third Sunday before the start of Great Lent is dedicated to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable is celebrated in the pre-fasting period because it is considered in Orthodoxy as a perfect reflection, or icon, of the … Continue reading →

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Icon of the Publican and the Pharisee

Posted on February 4, 2012 by iconreader

The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is the first Sunday of a three-week period prior to the commencement of Great Lent. It marks the beginning of a time of preparation for the spiritual journey of Lent, a time … Continue reading →

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The December Menaion Icon

Posted on November 30, 2011 by iconreader

The word Menaion (Gr: Μηναίον; Slavonic: Минея) comes from the Greek word meaning “of the month”. It is used to describe a way of grouping together liturgical texts, prayers and stories based on the order of Saints’ days and other … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, History, Icons of Christ, Special Icons, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lamb of God in Orthodoxy | A History in Icons

Posted on October 17, 2011 by iconreader

“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11) The Lamb of God is the ancient name given to Jesus Christ, and recorded in … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, Didactic Icons, History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

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 →

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