Icons

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...

"At that time, Jesus went out with his disciples across the brook Kedron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Judas, his betrayer, also knew the place, because Jesus had often gathered there with his disciples. So Judas,...

After the Resurrection, the Myrrh-bearing Women came to the tomb. They found the soldiers fallen as dead, the stone rolled away, and an angel sitting on it. He showed them the Lord’s empty grave clothes, and told them to tell the Disciples of the...

This icon is from the very Cave of the Apocalypse itself, on the island of Patmos, Greece, where the book of Revelation was written. It depicts the following passage:  I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation...

"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.)

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...

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 the faces of the Cherubim and Seraphim. In her hand is a...

The hodigitria (guide) genre of icons features Christ sitting on the Virgin's lap. Her hands point to her Son in a gesture of humility, guiding the viewer to look to Him. This particular icon was painted in Greece about the year 1700.

This detail from the famous Hagia Sophia mosaic features the Theotokos in a Deesis (Supplication) pose. The mosaic was completed in the 13th century.  The Hagia Sophia iconography is some of the most beautiful in the world. Uncovered in the...

This icon depicts the Virgin holding Christ, Who holds her in a sweet embrace. Two angels offer their praise and worship. This icon dates from the 13th century.

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.

The Theotokos of Vladimir is one of the most well-known and popular Orthodox icons, the most famous example of the eleusa (tenderness) type. It is traditionally considered to be the first icon ever painted, by the Apostle Luke himself, the...

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,...

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...

The beloved Apostle John is celebrated on May 8 and September 26. In this 19th-century icon, he is depicted in contemplative silence.

The beloved Apostle John is celebrated on May 8 and September 26. In this icon, he is dictating his book of apocalyptic visions while exiled on the island of Patmos.

Saint Zacchaeus was a tax collector (publican). His encounter with the Lord is recorded in Luke 19, which resulted in Zacchaeus turning from his greed and following Christ. After the Ascension, he traveled with Saint Peter, becoming one of the Seventy...

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 Gabriel was born on March 22, 1684, in Zvierki (Zwierki, Poland). His parents, Peter and Anastasia, maintained their Orthodox faith despite the growth of Uniatism in the region. As a child, Gabriel preferred prayer and solitude rather than the...

This 19th century icon is painted in the traditional Russian style. The Slavonic text reads Gospod Vsederzhitel: "Lord Almighty" or Pantocrator.

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 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.

A jeweled Orthodox Cross is in the center of this beautiful icon. Christ and His Mother appear at the top, with several saints standing around the Cross.

 This Western icon depicts the scene of the Crucifixion on Good Friday.

This 6th-century mosaic is from the apse of the Basilica of Saint Apollinare in Ravenna, Italy. The holy Cross is jeweled (crux gemmata) and appears in the center, surrounded with the Taboric light. Moses and Elias appear on either side, and...

After the life-giving death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea asked for His precious body, in order to give Him a dignified burial. Pilate granted his request, and this icon shows the scene of the Lord's descent from the Cross. He is being taken down by...

Dobri Dobrev was a Bulgarian ascetic. Born in 1914, his father died in World War I and he was raised by his mother. He married in 1940 and had four children. He soon found himself serving in World War II, during which an explosion left him almost...

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...

This stunning icon of the Harrowing of Hades includes many scenes not typically included in icons of the Resurrection. In the center, Christ can be seen standing on the Gates of Hades, pulling Adam and Eve with the Old Testament saints up out of the...

Saint John became archbishop of Alexandria in 608. He fought against heresy throughout his episcopacy, but he is especially remembered for his generosity to the poor. He is also referred to as John the Almsgiver. He reposed in 619, at the age of 64...

This is a reproduction of an illuminated manuscript from the Beatus Codex Manchester, a commentary on the Book of Revelation written in the year 776. The image depicts the vision of St. John from Revelation 5:6-8: And between the throne and the four...

This beautiful icon is one of the many priceless treasures of Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai.

This striking Russian icon features bold colors and a simplified style that depicts scenes at the core of the Christmas story.

The Holy Prophet Ezekiel is commemorated on July 23.

The Prophet Joel lived some 800 years before Christ. One of the Minor Prophets, he prophesied of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He is commemorated on October 19.

Moses was a prophet, transcriber of Holy Law, and mediator between God and man. Through Moses, God made Himself known to the people of Israel. In his obedience to God and his communication of the Law to the people, Moses laid the foundation for our...

Also spelled Sofonias. Feast December 3.