Icons

In this 12th century Greek icon, we see Christ extending his hand to his beloved friend Lazarus, who comes out of his tomb after being dead for four days. This miraculous event happened just before Palm Sunday. By this action, Christ displayed his...

Saint Olaf II was an early King of Norway and Christian martyr. He was born about the year 995 to the royal family of the small kingdom of Vestfold. He grew up participating in fighting expeditions. Around the age of 19, he converted to the Christian...

The origins of this icon are unknown, but it is certainly ancient. Throughout the centuries, in the pain of childbirth women have found immense comfort in the intercessions of the Theotokos, who gave birth to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The icon is...

These martyrs were Roman soldiers who were rounded up in the year 320 for being Christians. They were condemned to death and were left naked on a frozen lake in winter. The guards prepared hot baths and tempted the soldiers to renounce Christ and live,...

This contemporary Byzantine icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel in glorious form and color. He holds a reed in his left hand, symbolizing the authority delegated to him by the Lord of Hosts. In his right hand, he bears an orb with the Greek letter chi...

This Legacy Learning Icon Card features the icon of the Exaltation of the Cross. The description on the back explains the meaning of the icon and the feast, and how it may inspire us in our faith. Size is 4x5 inches. Legacy Learning Icon Cards are...

This 18th century icon depicts the Second Coming and the Last Judgment. At the top Christ is seen coming in glory, flanked by the armies of the heavenly host, his Mother, and the Prophet John. In the next row are the Twelve Apostles, sitting as judges...

Elijah (or in Greek, Elias) lived under the rule of Ahab, “who did evil before the Lord, more than all who were before him” (3 Kgd. 16:38). Through Elijah, God gave the world a voice of justice in an unjust time. But the miracles and signs...

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,...

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,...

This unique Greek icon of the Theotokos depicts her offering a blooming rose stalk to the infant Christ. According to tradition, the rose represents the Virgin's purity, offered as a sacrifice in order to give birth to the Son of God. The icon includes...

The feast of All Saints is commemorated on the Sunday After Pentecost by Eastern Christians and November 1 by Western Christians.  This beautiful 19th century Russian icon features a rich palette and vibrant colors for an excellent example of...

This historic Russian icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel in festal robes in a posture of intercession for the faithful. It is a detail from a ddeësis (supplication) row of a 17th-century Russian iconostasis. He bears a scepter and orb, symbolizing...

As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This...

This event is recorded in all four of the Gospels. At the time of the Passover, shortly after the Entry into Jerusalem, the Lord entered into the Temple and drove out the merchants who had turned the House of God into a den of thieves.

Saint Gregory was elected as the 63rd Pope of Rome after the death of the Apostles in the year 590. He was known for his writings, especially the Dialogues, and his almsgiving. He initiated the first major missionary effort among the Anglo-Saxons. He...

The Lord's miracle of the healing of the man paralyzed for 38 years, as described in John 5:1-15, is celebrated on the third Sunday after Pascha (Easter) in the Orthodox Church.

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,...

 Little is known about this rare icon other than it was painted in the 1700's in Russia.  The icon depicts the nativity in a more intimate setting with Mary and Joseph celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The holy prophet Joshua, the Son of Nun (in Greek, Jesus of Navi), was called by Moses to survey the Promised Land. He urged the people to trust in God as they prepared to enter the land. He was chosen to succeed Moses, and after Moses' death, Joshua...

This is an iconographic representation of the Akathist Hymn. The Prophets surround the Virgin Mary with scrolls of praise, and on the outer border there are feasts and scenes from the Theotokos' life. The Akathist Hymn is chanted on the fifth Saturday...

"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 icon features the Most Holy Theotokos sitting on a glorious throne. As the Birthgiver of God, she holds the young Christ Child in her lap as He gives a gesture of blessing. On either side of the throne, holy angels give honor to her who is "more...

This historic Byzantine icon depicts the Virgin holding Christ, who responds with his own sweet embrace. Two angels flank the pair and offer their own praise and adoration. Dating from the late 13th century, this icon features a unique style with vivid...

This beautiful Hagia Sophia mosaic features the Theotokos and Christ, standing between Emperor John II Komnenos and his wife Empress Irene of Hungary, holding symbols of donations. The mosaic dates to the 13th century and is found in the south gallery...

The Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John was the older cousin of our Lord. After he baptized Christ in the Jordan River, John was arrested by Herod and beheaded at the request of his wicked wife Herodias and daughter Salome, as described in...

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...

The Elder Simeon the Stylite was born in Cappadocia in the lat 4th century. The son of Christian parents, he was obedient and a dedicated worker. While still a boy, he was struck by the singing of the Beatitudes in church. With the help of a trusted...

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 icon depicts the Virgin holding Christ, Who holds her in a sweet embrace. Archangels Michael and Gabriel offer their praise and worship. This Russian icon dates from the 18th century.

This detail from a large 16th century fresco depicts an Angel carrying a pair of ceremonial fans. On his back is the Epitaphion or Plashchanitsa, which represents the burial shroud of Christ and is used in the solemn services of Holy Friday and Holy...

The Apostle Matthias was the 12th Apostle, chosen to replace Judas after he hanged himself. He died a martyr's death.  His feast is celebrated on August 9 by the Orthodox Church, May 14 in the West, and On February 24 in certain Protestant...

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 face of our Savior is kind and gentle in this image of the Holy Face, also known as the Mandylion. This icon is celebrated on August 16, the feast of the Icon Not-Made-By-Hands. This icon, also known as the Holy...

This historic Russian icon depicts Christ Enthroned as King and High Priest. Seated in a sumptuous throne, the Lord of Hosts holds the book of life and a rod symbolizing His authority. He is flanked by two vivid-colored seraphim and...