Tag Archives: John the Baptist

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

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 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

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 →

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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 Lamb of God in Orthodoxy | A History in Icons

Posted on October 17, 2011 by iconreader

“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11) The Lamb of God is the ancient name given to Jesus Christ, and recorded in … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, Didactic Icons, History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Hades is bound; the Prophets rejoice!

Posted on October 8, 2011 by iconreader

No longer will the dominion of death be able to keep men captive For Christ descended, demolishing and destroying the powers thereof. Hades is bound; the Prophets rejoice with one voice, saying: A Saviour has come for them that have … Continue reading →

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The Icons of the Iconostasis

Posted on October 5, 2011 by iconreader

An earlier post has already discussed the symbolism of the iconostasis, or icon screen, within Orthodox churches. The conclusion there was that iconostasis represents the division of Heaven and Earth, and how the barriers between the two have been broken. … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Beheading of John the Forerunner and Baptist

Posted on September 10, 2011 by iconreader

Sunday (September 11) is the commemoration of the Beheading of John the Forerunner in the churches which follow the old calendar. The icon above is late 19th century of Russian origin, carrying the inscription: Усекновение главы святого Иоанна Предтечи.

Posted in History, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

An Icon of the Head of John the Forerunner

Posted on August 28, 2011 by iconreader

The 29th of August commemorates the Beheading of John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ. Above is an icon of The Head of St John the Forerunner (Глава Cв Иоанна Предтечи), a type of icon which flourished within the Russian Empire during … Continue reading →

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