Category Archives: History

All Creation Rejoices | The Icon of the Hymn

Posted on December 31, 2017 by iconreader

Many icons are inspired directly by the hymns of the Church and are indeed simply a visual representation of the words. One such icon is that of the Mother of God, “All Creation rejoices in thee…”

Posted in History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Synaxis of the Mother of God

Posted on December 26, 2017 by iconreader

The day after every major feast in the Orthodox Church is usually dedicated to a saint who played a major “supporting role” in the events celebrated. So, the 7th of January – the day after we celebrate the baptism of … Continue reading →

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

Martyr Stephen the New of Mt Auxentios | Confessor of Icons

Posted on November 28, 2017 by iconreader

On Nov 28, the memory of the Holy Confessor and Martyr Stephen “the New” of Mount Auxentios. Born after numerous prayers for a child from his pious parents, John and Anna, St Stephen was born in Constantinople in 715 and … Continue reading →

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

Saint Phanourios | The Saint Revealed by His Icon

Posted on August 27, 2017 by iconreader

Icons have been often described as a method of teaching about theology, Christ’s life and His Saints to the illiterate. In centuries past – and it seems for most of human history – the majority of people could not read … Continue reading →

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

When is an Icon not an Icon? | Russian Parsuna

Posted on January 25, 2017 by iconreader

Above are two Russian portraits painted on wooden panels, with the distinctive “recess” creating a raised border seen in many icons. One is painted in the 16th century and the other in the early 17th century. Both contain similar stylized … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Weeping Icons in Ukraine and Russia

Posted on March 6, 2014 by iconreader

Over the past couple of days, a number of websites have been linking to an article I posted a couple of years ago, quoting Fr Seraphim Rose’s words on why icons of the Mother of God weep. The reason for … Continue reading →

Posted in History, News, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The snakes that venerate icons

Posted on August 1, 2013 by iconreader

In a tiny Greek village in the south of Kefallonia, a miracle occurs every year after the feast of the Transfiguration (Aug 6). Around the bell-tower of the chapel at Markopoulo, small venomous snakes appear. These snakes crawl around the church, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

All Saints Icon | The Great Cloud of Witnesses

Posted on July 1, 2013 by iconreader

After Pentecost, remembering the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Church celebrates the Sunday of All Saints. This is fitting, as the Saints are the result of the Holy Spirit being given to the Apostles, the fruits of that “grain … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of Christ, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Holy Spirit as a dove in iconography

Posted on June 30, 2013 by iconreader

A previous post on the Throne of Preparation showed the widespread (in time and location) practice of depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. The Holy Spirit did descend “as a dove” at the Baptism of Christ, and so naturally … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Hetoimasia | The Throne of Preparation

Posted on June 27, 2013 by iconreader

The Hetoimasia (Gr. ἑτοιμασία, “preparation”), or Throne of Preparation, is one of the most widespread images in iconography, particularly in Orthodox Christianity. It very rarely dominates any composition it is part of, so the image and its significance can be … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of Christ, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments