Tag Archives: Veneration

Saint Phanourios | The Saint Revealed by His Icon

Posted on August 27, 2017 by iconreader

Icons have been often described as a method of teaching about theology, Christ’s life and His Saints to the illiterate. In centuries past – and it seems for most of human history – the majority of people could not read … Continue reading →

Posted in History, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Why do the Saints never smile in icons?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by iconreader

There are over 400 occurrences of the word “joy” in the Bible, most of them referring to what awaits those who become close to God. So why do icons – portraits of people who have been received by Christ into … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Ten Miracle-Working Icons of Saint Nicholas

Posted on December 20, 2012 by iconreader

“There is no icon like Nicholas.” -Russian proverb Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (feastday: Dec 6/19) is one of the most beloved Saints of the Church. He is loved by so many because God has revealed St. Nicholas to be an … Continue reading →

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

The Riza in Iconography | Protecting and Venerating

Posted on August 31, 2012 by iconreader

A riza (Ru: риза) is a metal covering for the surface of an icon, usually made from a precious metal. The English word “revetment” is sometimes used, though riza is the most common word used in iconography: even being used … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Special Icons | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Are the Saints who destroyed idols Iconoclasts?

Posted on August 20, 2012 by iconreader

In the 8th-century A.D., the veneration of images of Christ and His Saints was restored by the Byzantine Emperor, after being previously outlawed. This Triumph of Orthodoxy not only defended the veneration of icons as “permissible”, but actively confessed the … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Saints who destroyed religious images

Posted on August 19, 2012 by iconreader

Previous posts called What Makes an Icon Holy? and How not to be an accidental Iconoclast have, hopefully, explained why Icons are given such an exalted place within Orthodoxy. In short, icons are holy when they represent holy things: Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

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 →

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

The Ninety-Three Mile Procession of St Nicholas’ Icon

Posted on June 11, 2012 by iconreader

An annual procession of a miraculous icon of St Nicholas the Wonder-worker has just finished, with around 35,000 pilgrims participating in the ninety-three mile round trip.

Posted in History, News, The Saints | 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