Tag Archives: Holy Trinity

The Holy Spirit as a dove in iconography

Posted on June 30, 2013 by iconreader

A previous post on the Throne of Preparation showed the widespread (in time and location) practice of depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. The Holy Spirit did descend “as a dove” at the Baptism of Christ, and so naturally … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

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 →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of Christ, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 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 →

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Who’s in the Transfiguration Icon?

Posted on August 8, 2012 by iconreader

“There were eight on the mountain, but only six were visible.” – St Gregory Palamas, Homily on the Transfiguration Following on from a previous post on the Icon of the Transfiguration, there is more to discover in the icon by … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tree of the Virgin | Russia’s Best Loved Icons of Mary

Posted on December 25, 2011 by iconreader

The day after a major feast is often dedicated to a person who plays a central role in the preceding day’s narrative. For example, the day after the Theophany, Christ’s baptism, is dedicated to John the Baptist; whilst the day … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Holy Trinity Icon of the Written Stone Monastery

Posted on October 27, 2011 by iconreader

The Written Stone Monastery (Manastirea Piatra Scrisa)was built on the site of an Icon of the Holy Trinity, painted onto the rocks of a cliff-side in rural Romania. Above the Icon is the Caransebes-Orsova railway, built in the 19th century, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Who’s Who in the Trinity Icon?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by iconreader

When contemplating Rublev’s Icon of the Holy Trinity, it is almost inevitable that some will ask: Who’s Who? Though the Three Angels are similar in appearance, their clothing is distinctive, and so certain minds will naturally seek to read meaning … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Icon of the Holy Trinity

Posted on February 20, 2011 by iconreader

Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory! – Prophet Isaiah’s “Thrice-Holy” Hymn The Holy Trinity is at the centre of all the Church’s worship, and the Holy Scriptures, the Church Fathers, the Hymns … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Andrei Rublev | Preaching in Paint

Posted on February 11, 2011 by iconreader

In the dark, violent, and brutish years of medieval Russia, there lived shining examples of God’s grace, who shone all the brighter in contrast with the surrounding shadows. Among these elders, monastics and ascetics lived one man who preached the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments