Tag Archives: Theotokos

All Creation Rejoices | The Icon of the Hymn

Posted on December 31, 2017 by iconreader

Many icons are inspired directly by the hymns of the Church and are indeed simply a visual representation of the words. One such icon is that of the Mother of God, “All Creation rejoices in thee…”

Posted in History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

The snakes that venerate icons

Posted on August 1, 2013 by iconreader

In a tiny Greek village in the south of Kefallonia, a miracle occurs every year after the feast of the Transfiguration (Aug 6). Around the bell-tower of the chapel at Markopoulo, small venomous snakes appear. These snakes crawl around the church, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Special Icons, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , | 7 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 →

Posted in History, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Presentation of Christ | Temple and Church

Posted on February 17, 2013 by iconreader

The LORD said to Moses, “Consecrate to me all the first-born; whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” (Book of Exodus, Chapter 15) According to the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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

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