Category Archives: The Saints

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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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

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 →

Posted in Icons of Christ, The Saints | 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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Irene Chrysovalantou | Quick guide

Posted on July 28, 2013 by iconreader

July 28th is the feast day of our venerable mother Irene of Chrysovalantou. This popular saint was born in Cappadocia during the 9th-century, and gave up the chance of royal marriage to join the Chrysovalantou convent eventually becoming its abbess. … 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 →

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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 →

Posted in Iconography, Special Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Presentation of Christ | Temple and Church

Posted on February 17, 2013 by iconreader

The LORD said to Moses, “Consecrate to me all the first-born; whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” (Book of Exodus, Chapter 15) According to the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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 →

Posted in History, Iconography, Special Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments