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Clement of Rome — Cyprian & Justina — Cyril & Methodios
Cosmas of Ætolia — Cosmas & Dionysios of Ægina
Cosmas & Damian
Kyriakí — Kyriakós
Kodratos Quadratus
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Saints - Ρ - Rhó
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saints - Φ - Phí
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Theotokos - Of the Sign
This iconographic type acquired its name from the prophecy found in Isaiah 7: 14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” The Theotokos in this iconographic depiction is most often placed behind the altar in the apse of the church. The Christ Child is found in a circle at the Virgin’s bosom. This reflects Christ having been formed in the Theotokos’ stainless womb.
Yet this icon communicates more than the Incarnation. It reminds the observer that Christ can dwell in us if we allow Him to do so. Just as Christ was formed in the Virgin, so can He be formed in us. The Theotokos’ raised arms welcome us to join her in faith and obedience so that Christ may dwell in us as well. As St. Ambrose writes, “Every believing soul conceives and gives birth to the Word of God. Christ, by means of our faith, is the fruit of us all, thus we are all mothers of Christ.” This icon’s presence in the apse of the church serves to remind worshippers that the purpose of our life is to allow Christ to form within us. Her open arms invite us to receive Christ as she did so that we may all play the role of God bearers. They also invite us to join her in prayer to Christ, the Pantokrator, who is often depicted in the church’s dome.
Click an ikon to zoom full size.
Hebrew Theotokos with Christ Holding Torah
based on Theotokos of the Sign
Yet this icon communicates more than the Incarnation. It reminds the observer that Christ can dwell in us if we allow Him to do so. Just as Christ was formed in the Virgin, so can He be formed in us. The Theotokos’ raised arms welcome us to join her in faith and obedience so that Christ may dwell in us as well. As St. Ambrose writes, “Every believing soul conceives and gives birth to the Word of God. Christ, by means of our faith, is the fruit of us all, thus we are all mothers of Christ.” This icon’s presence in the apse of the church serves to remind worshippers that the purpose of our life is to allow Christ to form within us. Her open arms invite us to receive Christ as she did so that we may all play the role of God bearers. They also invite us to join her in prayer to Christ, the Pantokrator, who is often depicted in the church’s dome.
Click an ikon to zoom full size.
Hebrew Theotokos with Christ Holding Torah
based on Theotokos of the Sign
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