Tag Archives: Ascetic Saints

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

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

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 →

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 16 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 Life of St John the Baptist in Iconography

Posted on August 29, 2012 by iconreader

For the Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist (Aug 29), I have posted a vita icon, which shows not only John the Forerunner and Baptist, but many of the other feasts and traditions associated with him. An explanation … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The June Menaion Icon

Posted on May 31, 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The May Menaion Icon

Posted on May 3, 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in History, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The April Menaion Icon

Posted on April 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in History, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The March Menaion Icon

Posted on March 3, 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Resurrection Icons, Special Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Crucified Monk | Icon of the Monastic Life

Posted on February 24, 2012 by iconreader

Around the entrance of refectories in Orthodox monasteries, there can sometimes be seen a shocking image of a monk being crucified. The unnamed monk silently reposes on the cross, whilst around him he is assailed by terrifying demons and skeletal … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments