Category Archives: Special Icons

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…”

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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 →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, Special Icons | Leave a comment

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 →

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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 →

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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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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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White Angel of Serbia | The herald sent into outer-space

Posted on March 26, 2013 by iconreader

On March 26, the day after the Feast of the Ascension, the Archangel Gabriel is commemorated. One of the most famous images of the Archangel Gabriel is the White Angel (Serbian: Бели анђео or beli anđeo), which is part of … 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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Ten Miracle-Working Icons of Saint Nicholas

Posted on December 20, 2012 by iconreader

“There is no icon like Nicholas.” -Russian proverb Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (feastday: Dec 6/19) is one of the most beloved Saints of the Church. He is loved by so many because God has revealed St. Nicholas to be an … Continue reading →

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Archangel Michael at Chonae | Icon of a Miracle

Posted on September 7, 2012 by iconreader

The Orthodox Church not only celebrates special events during the Incarnation of Christ (Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension etc.), but also miraculous events that happened after the time described in the New Testament. This demonstrates that the time of miracles has … Continue reading →

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