Tag Archives: Iconography

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

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

Are the Saints who destroyed idols Iconoclasts?

Posted on August 20, 2012 by iconreader

In the 8th-century A.D., the veneration of images of Christ and His Saints was restored by the Byzantine Emperor, after being previously outlawed. This Triumph of Orthodoxy not only defended the veneration of icons as “permissible”, but actively confessed the … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Saints who destroyed religious images

Posted on August 19, 2012 by iconreader

Previous posts called What Makes an Icon Holy? and How not to be an accidental Iconoclast have, hopefully, explained why Icons are given such an exalted place within Orthodoxy. In short, icons are holy when they represent holy things: Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

The Warrior Saints

Posted on May 7, 2012 by iconreader

Also called soldier saints, these are a group of saints who were generally soldiers in life, martyrs to Christ in death, and then latterly revealed as our heavenly protectors. But is their appearance in icons – equipped and ready for … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Tiny 6th Century Icons Found in Jerusalem

Posted on October 31, 2011 by iconreader

Israel Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a 1,400-year-old Christian devotional aid (dubbed a “Prayer Box”) made of bone, with two paintings believed to portray the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The size of the box (a tiny 0.8 x 0.6in, … Continue reading →

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Akathist Hymn in Icons | Prophecies and Praises

Posted on August 21, 2011 by iconreader

In my last post about the Akathist Hymn in Icons, I mentioned the Old Testament Saints who surround the Mother of God, offering her praises. It is Old Testament Saints who surround the Mother of God, rather than St Roman … Continue reading →

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

The 100% Non-Definitive Guide to Colour in Icons

Posted on June 22, 2011 by iconreader

Vincent van Gogh said of the Mediterranean: “[It] has the colour of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

The meaning of objects held by Saints in Icons

Posted on May 15, 2011 by iconreader

Iconography can be an extremely concise way of communicating the Faith. Therefore, what the Saints hold in their hands in portrait icons help in identifying them and in telling us about their lives. I hope to show that what is … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

From Vespers on the Sunday of Orthodoxy

Posted on March 13, 2011 by iconreader

“Inspired by your Spirit, Lord, the prophets foretold your birth as a child incarnate of the Virgin. Nothing can contain or hold you; before the morning star you shone forth eternally from the spiritual womb of the Father. Yet you … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, Iconography, Icons of Christ, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment