Icons

Orthodox icon of the Holy Parents Anna and Joachim with Theotokos (2). Copy of a contemporary icon.

Orthodox icon of the Holy Trinity , the Hospitality of Abraham (1). Copy of a contemporary icon.

Orthodox icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rubliev (1410). Philoxenia of Abraham (2).

Commemorated on Pentecost Day, 50 days after Resurrection.

On the book of Genesis 18:1-15 says the story that is commonly known as the Hospitality of Abraham. In this story, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah. They treat their three visitors with great reverence, and prepare a meal for them.You have probably seen an icon of these three angels seated at the table, but you may have known that this icon is a "type" of the Holy Trinity! A type is a figure or a representation.

The guests are described simply as three men, but when Abraham talks to them, they respond as one ("they said"). The Lord appeared to Abraham, but when he looks to see who is there, he sees three men. Three men speaking as one; the one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At other times, only one of the angels speaks to Abraham and he is referred to as "Lord." In the icon, it is most often felt that the angel in the center of the icon is the one referred to as Lord: Jesus Christ.

In iconography, it is traditional for Christ to be depicted wearing a red undergarment, with a blue garment over the top of it (red representing His divinity, and blue His humanity which He "put on"). In the icon of the Hospitality, the center angel is also wearing red with blue over the top of it. 

Orthodox icon of the Holy Trinity , the Hospitality of Abraham (3). Copy of a contemporary icon.

Orthodox icon of the Holy Trinity, also know as the Hospitality of Abraham, Philoxenia of Abraham (4). Contemporary icon.

Commemorated on Pentecost Day, 50 days after Resurrection.

On the book of Genesis 18:1-15 says the story that is commonly known as the Hospitality of Abraham. In this story, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah. They treat their three visitors with great reverence, and prepare a meal for them. You have probably seen an icon of these three angels seated at the table, but you may have known that this icon is a "type" of the Holy Trinity! A type is a figure or a representation.

The guests are described simply as three men, but when Abraham talks to them, they respond as one ("they said"). The Lord appeared to Abraham, but when he looks to see who is there, he sees three men. Three men speaking as one; the one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  At other times, only one of the angels speaks to Abraham and he is referred to as "Lord." In the icon, it is most often felt that the angel in the center of the icon is the one referred to as Lord: Jesus Christ.

In iconography, it is traditional for Christ to be depicted wearing a red undergarment, with a blue garment over the top of it (red representing His divinity, and blue His humanity which He "put on").In the icon of the Hospitality, the center angel is also wearing red with blue over the top of it. 

Orthodox Icon of the Holy Trinity, also know as the Icon of the Hospitality of Abraham (Philoxenia of Abraham) (6).

Commemorated on Pentecost Day, 50 days after Resurrection.

On the book of Genesis 18:1-15 says the story that is commonly known as the Hospitality of Abraham.u00a0 In this story, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah.They treat their three visitors with great reverence, and prepare a meal for them. You have probably seen an icon of these three angels seated at the table, but you may have known that this icon is a "type" of the Holy Trinity! A type is a figure or a representation.

The guests are described simply as three men, but when Abraham talks to them, they respond as one ("they said"). The Lord appeared to Abraham, but when he looks to see who is there, he sees three men. Three men speaking as one; the one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At other times, only one of the angels speaks to Abraham and he is referred to as "Lord." In the icon, it is most often felt that the angel in the center of the icon is the one referred to as Lord: Jesus Christ.In iconography, it is traditional for Christ to be depicted wearing a red undergarment, with a blue garment over the top of it (red representing His divinity, and blue His humanity which He "put on").In the icon of the Hospitality, the center angel is also wearing red with blue over the top of it. 

Orthodox icon of the Holy Trinity, also know as the Hospitality of Abraham, Philoxenia of Abraham (7). Icon of 15th century, Byzantine Museum, Athens Greece

Commemorated on Pentecost Day, 50 days after Resurrection.

On the book of Genesis 18:1-15 says the story that is commonly known as the Hospitality of Abraham. In this story, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah. They treat their three visitors with great reverence, and prepare a meal for them. You have probably seen an icon of these three angels seated at the table, but you may have known that this icon is a "type" of the Holy Trinity! A type is a figure or a representation.

The guests are described simply as three men, but when Abraham talks to them, they respond as one ("they said"). The Lord appeared to Abraham, but when he looks to see who is there, he sees three men. Three men speaking as one; the one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  At other times, only one of the angels speaks to Abraham and he is referred to as "Lord." In the icon, it is most often felt that the angel in the center of the icon is the one referred to as Lord: Jesus Christ.

In iconography, it is traditional for Christ to be depicted wearing a red undergarment, with a blue garment over the top of it (red representing His divinity, and blue His humanity which He "put on").In the icon of the Hospitality, the center angel is also wearing red with blue over the top of it. 

Orthodox Icon of the Holy Trinity, also know as the icon of the Hospitality of Abraham Philoxenia of Abraham (8). Icon of 16 cent. Monastery of Pantokrator Mount Athos.

Commemorated on Pentecost Day, 50 days after Resurrection.

On the book of Genesis 18:1-15 says the story that is commonly known as the Hospitality of Abraham. In this story, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah.They treat their three visitors with great reverence, and prepare a meal for them. You have probably seen an icon of these three angels seated at the table, but you may have known that this icon is a "type" of the Holy Trinity! A type is a figure or a representation.

The guests are described simply as three men, but when Abraham talks to them, they respond as one ("they said"). The Lord appeared to Abraham, but when he looks to see who is there, he sees three men. Three men speaking as one; the one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At other times, only one of the angels speaks to Abraham and he is referred to as "Lord."

In the icon, it is most often felt that the angel in the center of the icon is the one referred to as Lord: Jesus Christ. In iconography, it is traditional for Christ to be depicted wearing a red undergarment, with a blue garment over the top of it (red representing His divinity, and blue His humanity which He "put on"). In the icon of the Hospitality, the center angel is also wearing red with blue over the top of it. 

Orthodox icon of Sophia, the Wisdom of God (1).

Commemorated September 8th.

The Icon of Sophia, the Wisdom of God (Kiev), occupies an unique place in the Russian Orthodox Church. On the icon is depicted the Theotokos, and the Hypostatic Wisdom, the Son of God incarnate of Her. In Wisdom or Sophia, ponders the Son of God, about Whom in the Proverbs of Solomon it says: Wisdom has built a house for herself, and has set up seven pillars (9:1).

These words refer to Christ, the Son of God, Who in the Epistles of St Paul is called Wisdom of God  (1 Cor.1:30), and the word choose refers to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, of Whom the Son of God is incarnate. The arrangement of the icon bears witness to the fulfillment of this prophecy. On the Kiev icon of Sophia is a church, and standing there is the Mother of God in a robe with a veil on her head, under an archway of seven pillars. The palms of Her hands are outstretched, and her feet are set upon a crescent moon.

The Theotokos holds the Pre-eternal Christ Child, blessing with Her right hand, and holding the Infant with Her left. On the cornice of the entrance are inscribed the words from the Book of Proverbs: Wisdom has built a house for herself, and has set up seven pillars. Over the entrance are depicted God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. From the mouth of God the Father issues the words: I am affirmation of Her footsteps. Along both sides the seven Archangels are depicted with outstretched wings, holding in their hands symbols of their duties.

On the right side: Michael with flaming sword; Uriel with a lightning flash hurling downwards; Raphael with alabaster vessel of myrrh. On the left side: Gabriel with a lily blossom; Selaphiel with a scale; Jerudiel with royal crown; and Barachiel with flowers on a white shawl. Under a cloud with the crescent moon, serving as a footrest for the Mother of God, is a staircase with seven steps (depicting the Church of God on earth). Those standing on the seven steps are the Old Testament witnesses of the manifestation of Wisdom, the Forefathers and the Prophets. On each of the seven steps are inscribed: faith, hope, love, purity, humility, blessedness, glory. The seven steps of the staircase are set upon the seven pillars, on which images are inscribed, and their explanation taken from the Apocalypse. 

Clear plexiglass stand with icons on both sides (PLX2)  and decoration,  with the icons of the Resurrection and Crucifixion.

Dimensions: 4" X 3" X 1.6"

Orthodox icon of the Patriarch Isaak.

Commemorated on Sunday of Forefathers.

Orthodox Icon of Isaiah the Prophet. Copy of 13 cent. icon.

Commemorated May 9th.

The Holy Prophet Isaiah lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, and was of royal lineage. Isaiah's father Amos raised his son in the fear of God and in the law of the Lord. Having attained the age of maturity, the Prophet Isaiah entered into marriage with a pious prophetess (Is 8:3) and had a son Jashub (Is 8:18). St Isaiah was called to prophetic service during the reign of Oziah [Uzziah], king of Judea, and he prophesied for 60 years during the reign of kings Joatham, Achaz [Ahaz], Hezekiah and Manasseh.

The start of his service was marked by the following vision: he beheld the Lord God, sitting in a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about crying out one to another, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with His glory!

The pillars of the heavenly temple shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense. The prophet cried out in terror, Oh, an accursed man am I, granted to behold the Lord Sabaoth, and having impure lips and living amidst an impure people! Then was sent him one of the Seraphim, having in hand a red-hot coal, which he took with tongs from the altar of the Lord. He touched it to the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah and said, Lo, this has touched thy lips, and will take away with thine iniquities, and will cleanse thy sins.

After this Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, directed towards him, Whom shall I send, and who will go to this people? Isaiah answered, Here am I, send me (Is 6:1 ff). And the Lord sent him to the Jews to exhort them to turn from the ways of impiety and idol worship, and to offer repentance. To those that repent and turn to the true God, the Lord promised mercy and forgiveness, but punishment and the judgment of God are appointed for the unrepentant. Then Isaiah asked the Lord, how long would the falling away of the Jewish nation from God continue.

The Lord answered, Until the cities be deserted, by reason of there being no people, and the land shall be made desolate. Just as when a tree be felled and from the stump come forth new shoots, so also from the destruction of the nation a holy remnant will remain, from which will emerge a new tribe. Isaiah left behind him a book of prophecy in which he denounces the Jews for their unfaithfulness to the God of their Fathers.

He predicted the captivity of the Jews and their return from captivity during the time of the emperor Cyrus, the destruction and renewal of Jerusalem and of the Temple. Together with this he predicts the historical fate also of the other nations bordering the Jews. But what is most important of all for us, the Prophet Isaiah with particular clarity and detail prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, Christ the Savior. The prophet names the Messiah as God and Man, teacher of all the nations, founder of the Kingdom of peace and love. The prophet foretells the birth of the Messiah from a Virgin, and with particular clarity he describes the Suffering of the Messiah for the sins of the world.

He foresees His Resurrection and the universal spreading of His Church. By his clear foretelling of Christ the Savior, the Prophet Isaiah deserves to be called an Old Testament Evangelist. To him belong the words, He beareth our sins and is smitten for us.... He was wounded for our sins and tortured for our transgressions. The chastisement of our world was upon Him, and by His wounds we were healed.... (Is 53:4-5. Vide Isaiah: 7:14, 11:1, 9:6, 53:4, 60:13, etc.). The holy Prophet Isaiah had also a gift of wonderworking. And so, when during the time of a siege of Jerusalem by enemies the besieged had become exhausted with thirst, he by his prayer drew out from beneath Mount Sion a spring of water, which was called Siloam, i.e. sent from God.  It was to this spring afterwards that the Savior sent the man blind from birth to wash, and He restored his sight.

By the prayer of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord prolonged the life of Hezekiah for 15 years. The Prophet Isaiah died a martyr's death. By order of the Jewish king Manasseh he was sawn through by a wood-saw. The prophet was buried not far from the Pool of Siloam. The relics of the holy Prophet Isaiah were afterwards transferred by the emperor Theodosius the Younger to Constantinople and installed in the church of St Laurence at Blachernae. At the present time part of the head of the Prophet Isaiah is preserved at Athos in the Hilandar monastery. For the times and the events which occurred during the life of the Prophet Isaiah, see the 4th Book of Kings [alt. 2 Kings] (Ch 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, etc.), and likewise 2 Chr: 26-32).

Reference: O.C.A.

Orthodox Icon of Isaiah the Prophet. (2) Copy of an icon of 14 cent. Monastery of Dionysiou, Mount Athos.

NOTICE: the sizes of the icon are NOT exact.

Commemorated May 9th.

The Holy Prophet Isaiah lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, and was of royal lineage. Isaiah's father Amos raised his son in the fear of God and in the law of the Lord. Having attained the age of maturity, the Prophet Isaiah entered into marriage with a pious prophetess (Is 8:3) and had a son Jashub (Is 8:18). St Isaiah was called to prophetic service during the reign of Oziah [Uzziah], king of Judea, and he prophesied for 60 years during the reign of kings Joatham, Achaz [Ahaz], Hezekiah and Manasseh.

The start of his service was marked by the following vision: he beheld the Lord God, sitting in a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about crying out one to another, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with His glory!

The pillars of the heavenly temple shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense. The prophet cried out in terror, Oh, an accursed man am I, granted to behold the Lord Sabaoth, and having impure lips and living amidst an impure people! Then was sent him one of the Seraphim, having in hand a red-hot coal, which he took with tongs from the altar of the Lord. He touched it to the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah and said, Lo, this has touched thy lips, and will take away with thine iniquities, and will cleanse thy sins.

After this Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, directed towards him, Whom shall I send, and who will go to this people? Isaiah answered, Here am I, send me (Is 6:1 ff). And the Lord sent him to the Jews to exhort them to turn from the ways of impiety and idol worship, and to offer repentance. To those that repent and turn to the true God, the Lord promised mercy and forgiveness, but punishment and the judgment of God are appointed for the unrepentant. Then Isaiah asked the Lord, how long would the falling away of the Jewish nation from God continue.

The Lord answered, Until the cities be deserted, by reason of there being no people, and the land shall be made desolate. Just as when a tree be felled and from the stump come forth new shoots, so also from the destruction of the nation a holy remnant will remain, from which will emerge a new tribe. Isaiah left behind him a book of prophecy in which he denounces the Jews for their unfaithfulness to the God of their Fathers.

He predicted the captivity of the Jews and their return from captivity during the time of the emperor Cyrus, the destruction and renewal of Jerusalem and of the Temple. Together with this he predicts the historical fate also of the other nations bordering the Jews. But what is most important of all for us, the Prophet Isaiah with particular clarity and detail prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, Christ the Savior. The prophet names the Messiah as God and Man, teacher of all the nations, founder of the Kingdom of peace and love. The prophet foretells the birth of the Messiah from a Virgin, and with particular clarity he describes the Suffering of the Messiah for the sins of the world.

He foresees His Resurrection and the universal spreading of His Church. By his clear foretelling of Christ the Savior, the Prophet Isaiah deserves to be called an Old Testament Evangelist. To him belong the words, He beareth our sins and is smitten for us.... He was wounded for our sins and tortured for our transgressions. The chastisement of our world was upon Him, and by His wounds we were healed.... (Is 53:4-5. Vide Isaiah: 7:14, 11:1, 9:6, 53:4, 60:13, etc.). The holy Prophet Isaiah had also a gift of wonderworking. And so, when during the time of a siege of Jerusalem by enemies the besieged had become exhausted with thirst, he by his prayer drew out from beneath Mount Sion a spring of water, which was called Siloam, i.e. sent from God. It was to this spring afterwards that the Savior sent the man blind from birth to wash, and He restored his sight.

By the prayer of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord prolonged the life of Hezekiah for 15 years. The Prophet Isaiah died a martyr's death. By order of the Jewish king Manasseh he was sawn through by a wood-saw. The prophet was buried not far from the Pool of Siloam. The relics of the holy Prophet Isaiah were afterwards transferred by the emperor Theodosius the Younger to Constantinople and installed in the church of St Laurence at Blachernae. At the present time part of the head of the Prophet Isaiah is preserved at Athos in the Hilandar monastery. For the times and the events which occurred during the life of the Prophet Isaiah, see the 4th Book of Kings [alt. 2 Kings] (Ch 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, etc.), and likewise 2 Chr: 26-32).

Reference: O.C.A.