Icons

Ruth lived about the 13th century before Christ. She was the great-grandmother of David, the King of Israel. During a time of famine in Israel, Elimelech and Naomi of Bethlehem took their sons and traveled to the nearby country of Moab. Elimelech died,...

"Then Pilate released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he had scourged and handed him over to be crucified." (From the 5th Passion Gospel reading of Holy Friday in the Orthodox tradition.)

This historic Byzantine icon of the Theotokos and Christ child is a moving portrayal of their love for each other and the Church. Depicted with a rich red background, the anonymous 15th century iconographer depicts the holiness of both Christ and His...

This renowned Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator (“All Powerful”) is one of the more famous discoveries of Orthodox art–or any art–in modern times. It was discovered abandoned in an old shed near Moscow in 1919 and is believed to...

This unique 18th century Russian icon features a stylized church iconostasis. This is a great way to bring the church into the home as a centerpiece for prayer. Top Row: Crucifixion and Holy Friday scenes Second Row: Patriarchs Third Row: Prophets...

This 15th century icon shows Christ with his Apostles, who are talking amongst themselves in shock at the revelation that one of them would betray Christ. Judas, the betrayer, is seen reaching his hand into a bowl as the Gospel says. At this Passover...

This glorious ancient icon of the Nativity captures the splendor and humility of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. Painted by the monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery of Mount Sinai, Egypt, it has survived for many centuries as an enduring,...

Saint Lydia was a first-century “seller of purple,” an expensive, wine-colored fabric.  As described in Acts 16, Saint Paul received a vision in which a man pleaded with him to come to Macedonia. When he awoke, he immediately set out...

This historic Byzantine icon depicts Saint Michael as he fulfills the prophecies of the Apocalypse of St. John in Revelation 20. Portrayed on horseback, he carries a spear that he holds triumphantly over an opening to the abyss or lake of fire. He bears...

The feast of the Protection celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae in the 10th century, when she appeared and spread her veil over the church, saving the city from invasion. The name of the feast in Greek (Skepi) and Russian...

Saint George, sometimes called “the Trophy-bearer,” was born in the province of Cappadocia, Asia Minor (Turkey), in the third century and raised as a Christian. About age 20, he joined the Roman army under the emperor Diocletian,...

Saint Sergius (in Russian, Sergei or Sergey) was from the Moscow region. Born in 1314, his parents died young and he withdrew into the wilderness to live in prayer. Although he had no monastic training, he was spiritually strong and never fell into a...

The Seven Sleepers were a group of young soldiers who confessed their faith in Christ before the Emperor Decius. They were allowed to go free, and they fled to the caves to hide. As they prayed in preparation for martyrdom, they were discovered by...

In icons of this type, Our Lady appears directly facing the viewer with her hands raised in the orans (prayer) position. This is the moment of her conception of Christ at the Annunciation, as He is symbolically depicted within her. He appears...

This popular icon tells the story of a certain young man who, despite his sinful way of life,  kept a prayerful devotion to the Mother of God. One day, he prayed before the icon of the Theotokos as he was leaving his house to commit a sin...

This historic Byzantine icon of the Washing of the Feet is from a 19th century Greek original.  The Washing of the Feet occurred in John's Gospel (13:2-17) at the Last Supper before the Lord’s Passion. In this event, he as the Master washes...

This event is commemorated on August 1 (988) with the feast of the Cross. This icon is brimming with details and scenes from Russia's holy history.

Saint Nicholas was born in the third century in the city of Patara. His wealthy Christian parents died when he was young, and he gave his inheritance to the poor. Devoting himself to the Church, Nicholas was eventually ordained Bishop of Myra...

Aaron was the brother of Moses. While God assigned the task of Israelite leadership directly to Moses, Aaron became an important leader in his own right.  At his first encounter with God, Moses expressed concern that he was not well-spoken enough...

This icon is a beautiful contemporary Byzantine portrayal of the Old Testament Prophet Micah. Renowned for his prophecies of the coming Messiah and God’s redemption of His rebellious people, the Prophet Micah holds an important place in the...

In this incredible icon, the Theotokos is depicted wearing the royal robes and crown of the Queen Mother. This points to her unique role as the Mother of the King, Jesus Christ our God. Offered under license from the iconographer.

The first Great Feast of the ecclesiastical year, the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8) is also the first Great Feast of our salvation. The Mother of God is born to Saint Anna, after a miraculous conception following a lifetime of barrenness.

This incredible icon of Saint Elias the Prophet is from the iconostasis at Saint Nicholas Anthiochian Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It features Saint Elias being taken up to heaven in the chariot of fire, while his disciple, the Prophet...

Saint Porphyrios (or Porphyrius, or Porphyry), was the Bishop of Gaza 395-420, known from the account in his Life for Christianizing the recalcitrant pagan city of Gaza, and demolishing its temples. His feast day is celebrated on February 26.

Saint Tatiana was the second daughter of Tsar St. Nicholas II and Tsarina St. Alexandra. She was born in 1897. She was widely known for her beauty and elegance, but within the Royal Family, she was a second maternal figure for her younger siblings...

This renowned Theotokos Enthroned Icon is one of the oldest representations of Theotokos and Christ as well as one of the oldest existing icons in the world. It was painted at Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai in the 6th century. It depicts the...

This icon depicts the Virgin Mary worshiping her Son, Jesus Christ, as he hangs on the Cross. Her hands are crossed in a gesture of worship and prayer. It was painted in Russia in the 19th century, and features the style of the Novgorod School, which...

This historic icon depicts the Burial of Christ. In moving form and vivid color, the anonymous 14th century iconographer records the last embrace of Christ’s body by the Theotokos and the weeping of his disciples before his burial. After the...

This finely-detailed 16th century icon depicts Christ standing, holding an open Gospel, indicating Christ as the Teacher. A rarity for the Smolensk genre, Christ is standing alone, without any saints. This creates a powerful and intense focus on...

"At that time Joseph of Arimathea, a noble councillor, who was also waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate wondered if he were already dead, and after summoning the centurion he asked him if...

Saint Dionysius was born in 1547 on the island of Zakynthos. He entered the monastic life at age 21, and became a priest a few years later. Eventually he became Archbishop of the Aegean. Even during his lifetime he was regarded by many as a living...

This unique Russian icon depicts Saint Nicholas with Sword and Scenes.  Serving as Bishop of Myra, Saint Nicholas obeyed the word of scripture, to "do justice for the orphan and defend the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). He holds a sword, a symbol of...

The Mother of God has long been associated with Moses' burning bush, which held God but was not burned up. This icon is a symbolic representation of this idea. The Theotokos is surrounded by ranks of angels and archangels, as well as various biblical...

Outside the city of Constantinople, there was a sacred spring dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A monastery grew up there in the 5th century, and over time the spring was overgrown by a grove of trees. The Byzantine Emperor encountered a blind man who was...

This historic Greek icon depicts the Theotokos and Christ Child within the traditional “Unfading Flower” genre. The Theotokos is crowned and wearing deep blue and red, commemorating her purity and glory. She bears a lily stalk, another...

Salaphiel (also translated as Salathiel) in the Hebrew language means Intercessor of God. One of the eight traditional archangels, he is named in the book of III Esdras, where he encourages the Prophet Esdras. His hands are crossed in a...

Pantocrator, "almighty," is one of the many names of God used in the Bible. It refers to Christ as Sabaoth, "Lord of Hosts," the ruler of all, and the sustainer of the universe. This image of Christ is the most widely-used subject in all of...

This 19th century Russian icon features Christ Pantocrator (Almighty) in the center, with the Theotokos Virgin Mary and John the Baptist on either side. These holiest of saints are always nearest to our Lord Jesus, praying for the peace and salvation...

Saint Gregory was born in 329 in Cappadocia. After his studies, he suffered in a shipwreck and feared for his soul, as he was unbaptized. God spared him, and arriving in Athens, he joined his friend Basil the Great. They lived as monastic brothers in...

The original Kursk Root Icon is one of the most famous icons of the Russian Church, dating to the 13th century. It is an icon of the Theotokos "of the Sign" and features around the border nine prophets who foresaw the birth of Christ. The name "Kursk...