Tag Archives: Stylism

Who’s Who in the Trinity Icon?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by iconreader

When contemplating Rublev’s Icon of the Holy Trinity, it is almost inevitable that some will ask: Who’s Who? Though the Three Angels are similar in appearance, their clothing is distinctive, and so certain minds will naturally seek to read meaning … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Andrei Rublev | Preaching in Paint

Posted on February 11, 2011 by iconreader

In the dark, violent, and brutish years of medieval Russia, there lived shining examples of God’s grace, who shone all the brighter in contrast with the surrounding shadows. Among these elders, monastics and ascetics lived one man who preached the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The Mandorla in Icons – Revealing Mystery

Posted on January 29, 2011 by iconreader

An ancient symbol, the mandorla is the most concise way to express Christ’s majesty, glory and divinity in holy icons. It is found surrounding Jesus Christ in icons of His Resurrection, Transfiguration, Ascension, the Dormition, and of Christ in Glory. … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, Icons of Christ | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

An Intimate Icon – George of Ioannina

Posted on January 18, 2011 by iconreader

This is an icon of the martyr Saint George, who was executed at the hand of the Turks by public hanging in the Greek city of Ioannina in 1838, at the age of 30. The icon is notable because it … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Icons of Saints: Martyrs

Posted on January 2, 2011 by iconreader

The world offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Father of creation, The God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers through the Mother of God, Keep Thy Church in deep peace, O Most Merciful One. (Kontakion to … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Icons of John the Baptist, John the Forerunner

Posted on August 29, 2010 by iconreader

August 29 is the day which commemorates the Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. We know John as a prophet – the greatest and last prophet of the “Old Testamanet”, who specifically announced the coming of the Messiah, Who was Jesus. We also know how he preached in the wilderness, baptized Jesus Christ, and finally was beheaded on the orders of Herod for censuring the King. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

How to Recognize the Holy Apostles in Icons

Posted on August 17, 2010 by iconreader

This guide is just a brief description of how the Holy Apostles are depicted in Icons, so that they can be more easily recognized when encountered in churches, monasteries, or wherever else an icon found. Continue reading →

Posted in The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 40 Comments

The Holiness of Icons

Posted on July 9, 2010 by iconreader

And so icons are called “holy”, to distinguish them from other images that portray earthly things, or else those images which portray fantastical, unreal things. Holy Icons, by contrast, depict eternity: something which is neither completely earthly, nor unreal. But in practical terms, what is it that sets an “Icon” apart from a mere “image”? Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography | Tagged , , | Leave a comment