Tag Archives: Prayer

Lent 2018

Posted on January 25, 2018 by iconreader

Pascha is early this year and so Lent is rapidly approaching; this Sunday, the 28th of January, marks the Sunday of the Publican of the Pharisee which is just two weeks before the beginning of the Great Fast. As I … Continue reading →

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Igor Icon of the Mother of God

Posted on June 18, 2012 by iconreader

The Martyr Igor was briefly the Grand-Prince of Kiev during the 12th century – a time of conflict within the principality. Breaking their oaths, the nobles of Kiev rose up against Prince Igor, imprisoned him in a windowless log-house, and … Continue reading →

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John the Apostle | The Theologian in Silence

Posted on May 7, 2012 by iconreader

The 8th of May is a feast day dedicated to the Apostle John, the Evangelist and Theologian. Among all the Apostles, the title “Theologian” is only bestowed upon St John, which attests to the spiritual heights to which he attained, … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

An Icon for Holy Thursday

Posted on April 11, 2012 by iconreader

On the Thursday before Easter, called Holy or Maundy Thursday, four events are remembered: the Last Supper, the Foot-Washing of the Apostles by Jesus, the prayer of Christ in Gethsemane, and the Arrest of Jesus. Each of these events can … Continue reading →

Posted in Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 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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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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Why does God work wonders through Icons?

Posted on June 21, 2011 by iconreader

This poem, from St Nikolai’s Prayers by the Lake is in fact a passionate defence of all things material, through which God works wonders: icons, nature, and particularly the relics of Saints. It is offered here specifically because of its … Continue reading →

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Tenderness Icon | Inspiration of St Seraphim

Posted on June 4, 2011 by iconreader

On January 2nd, 1833 the great ascetic, Christian mystic, wonder-worker and spiritual father Seraphim, was found dead in his small cabin in the woods surrounding the Sarov Monastery, Russia. He was found kneeling in prayer before an icon of the … Continue reading →

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

Surety of Sinners Icon

Posted on March 19, 2011 by iconreader

The Surety of Sinners (Споручница грешных) Icon of the Theotokos is a Russian image which was revealed as wonder-working during the middle of the 19th century. It gets it name from the inscription found on the icon: “I am the … Continue reading →

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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