Category Archives: Icons of Christ

Nativity Greetings | News for 2017

Posted on December 23, 2016 by iconreader

Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all! Adorn yourself, O Ephratha, for the tree of life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave! Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the Divine Fruit: If we … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation | 2 Comments

Lent 2016

Posted on February 21, 2016 by iconreader

  Today, Feb 21st 2016, is the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee. It is the first Sunday of the Lenten Triodion – a three week period that leads up to the beginning of Lent, and from Lent we … Continue reading →

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The Place of the Theotokos in Icons of the Resurrection

Posted on April 15, 2015 by iconreader

There are three general representations of the Resurrection in Orthodoxy: the Harrowing of Hades, Christ triumphantly rising from the tomb, and the angel appearing to the myrrh-bearing women beside the empty tomb (example at the top of this post). The … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Resurrection Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

The Saint who always carried an icon of the Saviour

Posted on January 18, 2015 by iconreader

January 19th celebrates the memory of a Georgian saint: Venerable Anton of Martqopi, the Stylite. He is one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who settled in Georgia during the 6th century to preach the Gospel and are credited with establishing … Continue reading →

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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

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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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).

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Icons for Holy Monday | Christ Cursing the Fig Tree

Posted on April 30, 2013 by iconreader

Palm Sunday heralds the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week: the final ascent towards Easter and the celebration of Christ’s glorious resurrection. After Sunday, the first three days of Holy Week remind us – through the liturgical … 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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