Tag Archives: Mother of God

The Synaxis of the Mother of God

Posted on December 26, 2017 by iconreader

The day after every major feast in the Orthodox Church is usually dedicated to a saint who played a major “supporting role” in the events celebrated. So, the 7th of January – the day after we celebrate the baptism of … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of the Incarnation, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Wonder working Icon of the Theotokos thwarts thieves

Posted on December 29, 2014 by iconreader

The Panagia Giatrissa Icon (All-Holy Virgin “the Healer”) is a well-known wonder-working image in Greece. In the early hours of December 24th 2014, another miracle was added to the list attributed to the holy icon.

Posted in News, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Weeping Icons in Ukraine and Russia

Posted on March 6, 2014 by iconreader

Over the past couple of days, a number of websites have been linking to an article I posted a couple of years ago, quoting Fr Seraphim Rose’s words on why icons of the Mother of God weep. The reason for … Continue reading →

Posted in History, News, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Clouded Mount Icon of the Mother of God

Posted on March 25, 2013 by iconreader

The Uncut Icon of the Mother of God, also called the “Clouded Mount” (Ru: Tuchnaya Gora – Тучная Гора) is particularly associated with the Annunciation (March 25), as this icon was revealed as miracle-working on the eve of the feast. … Continue reading →

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Miracle-Working Softener of Evil Hearts Icon

Posted on June 9, 2012 by iconreader

The first Sunday after Pentecost celebrates, among other things, the Softener of Evil Hearts Icon (Умягчение злых сердец)of the Mother of God. It is undeniable that the image of Mary here is sentimental, painted in soft tones with her eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Why do Icons of the Mother of God weep?

Posted on June 8, 2012 by iconreader

The following is one of Eugene Rose’s “lay sermons” entitled Weeping Icons of the Mother of God, delivered in November 1966. Eugene Rose was later tonsured as the monk, Fr Seraphim, a great modern-day ascetic and writer.

Posted in Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

How not to be an accidental Iconoclast

Posted on June 1, 2012 by iconreader

Following on from the post What makes an Icon Holy?, it is clear an image is holy when it truly depicts someone who is holy, rather than through any magical way it was produced. It also means that a completed … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, Iconography, The Theotokos | Tagged , , | 10 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

Saturday of the Akathist in Icons and Hymns

Posted on March 30, 2012 by iconreader

The Fifth Saturday of Lent is called The Saturday of the Akathist – the Akathist being a hymn of praise dedicated to the Mother of God. The Akathist Hymn in Icons and Akathist Hymn | Prophecies and Praises, explain in … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment