Tag Archives: Angels

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

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?

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

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 →

Posted in Quick Guides, The Saints | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

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

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 →

Posted in History, Iconography, Special Icons | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

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 →

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

The Riza in Iconography | Protecting and Venerating

Posted on August 31, 2012 by iconreader

A riza (Ru: риза) is a metal covering for the surface of an icon, usually made from a precious metal. The English word “revetment” is sometimes used, though riza is the most common word used in iconography: even being used … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ascension Icon | Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?

Posted on May 23, 2012 by iconreader

Forty days after Christ’s resurrection, He was taken up into the Heavens before the disciples, and so forty days after Easter, is the Feast of the Ascension. The icon for this feast shows the events as described in the Book … Continue reading →

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

John the Apostle | The Theologian in Silence

Posted on May 7, 2012 by iconreader

The 8th of May is a feast day dedicated to the Apostle John, the Evangelist and Theologian. Among all the Apostles, the title “Theologian” is only bestowed upon St John, which attests to the spiritual heights to which he attained, … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Oldest Surviving Icon of the Annunciation

Posted on March 25, 2012 by iconreader

The oldest surviving icon of the Annunciation is found in the Catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria in Rome, Italy, and dates from the second half of the second century A.D. Priscilla is thought to have been a well-to-do … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of the Incarnation, The Theotokos | Tagged , , | 12 Comments