Tag Archives: St Luke

What’s on the other side of the Vladimir Icon?

Posted on June 23, 2012 by iconreader

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most famous and beloved icons in Orthodoxy and particularly within Russia. It is so well-known, that I haven’t even bothered to write anything about it on this blog, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pentecost Icon as an Icon of the Church

Posted on June 14, 2011 by iconreader

The Icon for the feast of Pentecost is also called the Descent of the Holy Spirit, as it is a depiction of the event described in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:1-4) when the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of … Continue reading →

Posted in History, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

The Tetramorph in Christian Art

Posted on September 17, 2010 by iconreader

Usually on Gospel Books, though sometimes in the architecture of church buildings, the appearance of such fantastical creatures might seem bewildering to those who are new to the Christian Faith. Yet these angel-winged creatures – collectively called the Tetramorph – are found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and their symbolism explains their presence on the binding of Gospel Books. Continue reading →

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

Why does the Orthodox Cross have three bars?

Posted on July 20, 2010 by iconreader

The three-barred Cross is the most common shape used in the Orthodox Church – whether as simple simple adornments, crucifixes, or in Icons which show the Cross, the three bars are usually present. Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography | Tagged , | 21 Comments

The Iconographer’s Prayer

Posted on July 7, 2010 by iconreader

“O Divine Lord of all that exists, You have illumined the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent the most Holy Mother, the one who held You in her arms and said: ‘the Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world.’ Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment