Category Archives: Iconography

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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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

Why does John the Baptist have wings in Orthodox icons?

Posted on August 29, 2013 by iconreader

August 29th is the day that commemorates the Beheading of John the Baptist. Why is this Saint, almost uniquely, shown in many icons with wings?

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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 →

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Why do the Saints never smile in icons?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by iconreader

There are over 400 occurrences of the word “joy” in the Bible, most of them referring to what awaits those who become close to God. So why do icons – portraits of people who have been received by Christ into … Continue reading →

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An icon for Whitsun | Pentecost Mosaic of San Marco

Posted on May 18, 2013 by iconreader

The image above is of the interior of a dome at the 9th-century St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. The mosaic of gold, bronze and other precious materials dates from the 12th century and depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

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The Epitaphios | Burial of Christ Icon

Posted on May 3, 2013 by iconreader

The Epitaphios (Gr. Επιτάφιος) is a large icon, usually embroidered, that depicts the burial of Christ. The name, epitaphios, literally means “winding-sheet”, and is used in services of Holy (Good) Friday and Holy Saturday to re-present the burial and funeral … Continue reading →

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

Icons for Holy Tuesday | Parable of the Ten Virgins

Posted on April 30, 2013 by iconreader

On Holy Monday Christ’s teaching on the importance of genuine fruitfulness was emphasized. On Holy Tuesday, we are reminded of the importance of remaining watchful. This is illustrated in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13).

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments