St. John the Baptist icon (SSC)

Orthodox icon of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (2) (SSC).

A very beautiful Byzantine icon of Jesus Christ made with the specific technique of silkscreen on real gold foil. This Icon of Jesus Christ is typical of those found in Orthodox churches and homes, and is called Pantokrator (meaning Almighty). Here he is shown giving a blessing and holding a book adorned with the cross, identifying it as the Gospels. The halo around his head is a symbol of the divine light or holiness.

Christ has a unique form in that it also has the Cross inscribed within it. You will note that only three arms of the cross are visible symbolizing the Holy Trinity. About Christ's Head are the letters IC and XC, a commonly used four letter abbreviation of the Greek for Jesus (IHCOYC) Christ (XPICTOC). He is shown wearing a red robe, symbolizing His divinity, covered in a green cloak, symbolizing His Humanity. You will note that they are distinct signifying they are not intermixed.

Byzantine icon of Annunciation (Evangelismos, of the Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

Commemorated March 25.

This beautiful icon is made with the specific technique of silkscreen on real gold foil. This Orthodox icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel (left), and the Virgin Mary (right). Gabriel is shown with his feet apart indicating the joy and urgency of his message. The staff he holds in his hand is to symbolize that he is a messenger of God. He extends his right hand towards Mary as a blessing from God. The virgin Mary stands in an elevated place indicating that she is greater in honor than the cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word.

She holds in her right hand  spindle of scarlet yarn indicating her task of making the veil for the Temple in Jerusalem. Her raised right hand is an indication of her acceptance of the message brought by Gabriel and her stance shows her willingness to cooperate with God. On her clothing are three stars symbolizing that she was a virgin before , during and after the birth of Christ. At the top we can see a circle which indicated the Divine realm and the descent of the Holy Spirit acting on her. On this feast day we celebrate not only the work of God's plan for our salvation through the Incarnation of Christ, but also the human response of Mary who with voluntary obedience accepted the role God gave her. 

Byzantine icon of the Dormition of Theotokos or "falling-asleep" of the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Commemorated August 15.

This Orthodox icon is made with the specific technique of silkscreen on real gold foil. The Feast of the Dormition commemorates the repose (dormition - kimisis) or "falling-asleep" of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It also commemorates the translation or assumption into heaven of the body of the Theotokos. Christ is shown holding a baby wrapped in white clothes and this symbolizes the soul of the Mother of God being taken up to heaven. Peter and Paul are shown on either side of the bier surrounded by the Apostles. There is no historical record of the relics of the Theotokos. u00a0Orthodox Christians believe she was resurrected and is with Christ in heaven. More on the Dormition of the Theotokos