Category Archives: The Theotokos

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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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 →

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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 →

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Wonder working Icon of the Theotokos thwarts thieves

Posted on December 29, 2014 by iconreader

The Panagia Giatrissa Icon (All-Holy Virgin “the Healer”) is a well-known wonder-working image in Greece. In the early hours of December 24th 2014, another miracle was added to the list attributed to the holy icon.

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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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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 →

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The Clouded Mount Icon of the Mother of God

Posted on March 25, 2013 by iconreader

The Uncut Icon of the Mother of God, also called the “Clouded Mount” (Ru: Tuchnaya Gora – Тучная Гора) is particularly associated with the Annunciation (March 25), as this icon was revealed as miracle-working on the eve of the feast. … Continue reading →

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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

The August Menaion Icon

Posted on August 1, 2012 by iconreader

The word Menaion (Gr: Μηναίον; Slavonic: Минея) comes from the Greek word meaning “of the month”. It is used to describe a way of grouping together liturgical texts, prayers and stories based on the order of Saints’ days and other feast … Continue reading →

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