Russian Orthodox Icons

No more posts on this blog

2006-10-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear blog visitors, I shall inform you that this project has come to an end. I am going to work on another very different and difficult online project. In the meantime, this blog will still remain hosted by Blogger and you can always surf through all previous posts about astonishing Russian orthodox icons.

Sincerely yours,

Pavel K.

The Virgin "Fertility of crops"

2006-09-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

It was 1890 when the head of the women monastery sent a totally new icon of the Virgin to a monk Amvrosy. The Virgin is depicted sitting on the clouds, her hands are raised in a blessed move. At the bottom of the icon is fields where among flowers and other plants are sheaves of crops. The Blessed Virgin is depicted in a Opanta pose and the field with the sheaves of crops were drawn upon Amvrosy’s request. He gave this important icon a name “Fertility of crops” which means that the Virgin helps people to obtain bread. The monk Amvrosy asked to celebrate of the icon “The Virgin “Fertility of crops”” on October 28th.

St. Martyr Elisabeth

2006-08-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

St. Elisabeth – daughter of Duke Louis IV of Hessen-Darmstadt and Princess Alice, wife of Prince Sergey Alexandrovitch who was brother of Emperor Alexander III. In 1891 She was accepted into the Orthodox church. St Elisabeth dedicated her life to Lord through her serving to people after her husband was murdered by a terrorist. Since the beginning of the World War I, St Elisabeth had been helping organize trains with medicaments, etc. After St Nicolas II gave up his throne, she was arrested and moved to Alapaevsk, where she was thrown into the mine. After several months their bodies were drawn out and in 1920 moved to Jerusalem. Nowadays, her body is being kept inside a vault at the Cathedral of the St Mary Magdalena at the ridge of Mount of Olives.

The Savior – golden hair

2006-08-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

This icon is redrawn from the original icon which is located at the Cathedral of Uspenskiy, Moscow Kremlin (13th century) . It belongs to a type of Christ-Pantocrator icons. Jesus Christ’s hair is golden and the green-golden cross is depicted at the background. Many features of this icon are decorated with medallions. This icon has many hidden symbols of the orthodox religion. The symbols on the sides of the icon deliver the meaning of the image.
Christ- Pantocrator is the central icon in many places from churches to houses. Many people pray to this icon before starting any deeds. When couples get married, they are blessed by this icon and icon of Virgin

Virgin of Konevez

2006-07-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

The major composition of this icon is “Odigitria”. However, baby Jesus is slightly turned to the opposite side from the Virgin. He holds a script in his hand and a pigeon on his knees. According to the Moses’ law, pigeon is a “clean” bird. It was used for holy sacrificing and symbolized Jesus Christ as a victim giving his life for peoples sins. The very first icon with this name had been seen at the end of 14th century. St Arseniy had brought it as a blessedness for a construction of the Bogorodich monastery.
Each side of the icon depicts the birth of Virgin, Holy Trinity, Emmanuel the Savior at the throne with his people.

Gallery "Russian Icon", Riga, Latvia. Summer 2006

2006-07-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Russian version is up and running

2006-06-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

At the top right corner of this blog you can access the Russian version of this blog which contains original descriptions of icons.

Russian version is coming up

2006-05-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Currently, I work on the Russian version of this blog. I plan to launch it in the following month. Also, for the English version, I plan to create a new category devoted to Iconography and its techniques.
I am really looking forward to going back to Riga, so that I can visit Russian Icon Gallery and get more historical descriptions for about 30 different icons.

Virgin of Jerusalem. 27 х 32 cm

2006-04-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

This icon was rewritten from the original icon “Virgin of Jerusalem”
The original was written by evangelist Lucas. It is believed that this particular image is associated with Mary of Egypt.
It remained in Jerusalem till the middle of V century and later was moved to Constantinople, where the icon was renamed into – “Tsaregradskaya”. During Tsar Erakliy’s ruling, the icon was moved to the Cathedral of Vlahern. After 300 years, it was taken to Korsun. In 988, Great Duke Vladimir conquered Korsun and accepted holy baptizing. For this, he was given Virgin of Jerusalem icon. Soon after, Vladimir donated this sacred icon to people of Novgorod in order to baptize them.
The icon remained in the Sophie Cathedral in Novgorod until Tsar Ivan Grozny conquered Novgorod and took it to Moscow.
During Napoleon’s invasion the icon was stolen and taken to Paris, where it had been staying till nowadays in the Cathedral of Virgin of Paris.

Virgin of Sign 16.5 x 19

2006-04-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

This icon named as “Virgin of Sign” depicts the Virgin sitting and raising her hands. On her chest is the blessing infant Jesus. This image is known as one of the first Virgin’s iconographical representations. The similar icon illustrating the Virgin with her arms wide-open and the Infant Jesus seated on her knees is presented in the tomb of St. Agniya in Rome
Icons under the name of Virgin of Sign appeared in Ancient Russia in the 11-12th centuries. The name “Sign” was given for a marvelous sign coming from the Novgorod Icon in 1170. Numerous rewrites of this icon are well-known in Russia until nowadays. Many of them are recognized for their supernatural power and were named for places where miracles occurred.

Orthodox Easter (Pascha). Православная пасха

2006-04-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

Till great Orthodox Easter (Pascha) is still 2 days remained. Since I will be offline on April 23, this post will be the last one this week.

Have a great weekend and Easter!

Pavel

Russian Icons Gallery opens its doors in Old Riga, Latvia

2006-04-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

April, 2006. The Russian Icon Gallery, which is located in the heart of Old Riga, Latvia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riga ), had its doors open for very special guests and other people interested in Orthodox religion and icons.

On the opening day, Archbishop of Latvia Alexander along with different media folks came to visit this beautiful gallery.

This gallery is the only one of its kind in Latvia. All icons were written by monks from Russian Churches using ancient iconographical techniques.

I am proudly presenting all these icons on this blog to more broad public around the globe.

Archbishop of Latvia Alexander, the Gallery's owners (Andrey&Lubova), and media folks entering the gallery.

Archbishop of Latvia Alexander & (sorry dont know the name yet) are discussing about the gallery

Special Thanks to the owners of this gallery

Andrey V.(right) From the original idea till the opening day, this man has put great effort in bringing this gallery to life.

Lubova G (giving an interview to journalists). A very special woman and my mother, has helped enormously in everything to launch this gallery.

Currently, there are lots of people visiting the gallery and the owners are very busy, but I am very happy that everything goes well. Great effort!

Courtesy of Russian Icon Gallery, Riga, Latvia

Virgin Odigitria. 20 x 25 cm

2006-04-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

Odigitria is translated from Greek as "The Guide". “The truthful way as a way to Jesus”; this statement indicates a gesture of the Virgin’s right hand. She touches and points to the Child, who is positioned on the left hand holding a special manuscript – the Law.
Praying to this Icon saves travelers from dangers on their way

Virgin “The Incarnation”. 22 x 28 cm

2006-04-19T00:50:00.000-07:00

This iconographic type of the Virgin with the infant Jesus is derived from the Iconography “Znamenie”. The Savior is still unborn and depicted in a medallion on the Virgin’s chest. “The Incarnation” is very close to the image of the Virgin with the child Jesus on the Throne and is known for its Mission upcoming in the incarnated apostasy.
On this Icon, just like it is depicted on the Byzantine’s original, The Virgin is cuddling her Child most likely to protect him. Jesus blesses all believers with his right hand, but in his left hand he holds a manuscript – a symbol of upcoming New Testimonial

Virgin of Vladimir. 28 х 35 cm

2006-04-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

According to believes, this Icon was written by St. Lucas on the table sheet from the room where Jesus, the Virgin and Josef had dinners. In the 12th century, the Icon was moved to the ancient Russian city named Vladimir. After 250 years, people started to call this Icon, the Virgin of Vladimir. The Icon saved the Russians many times from invasions of foreign enemies. During the Tatar’s invasion in the 16th century, the Tatars Emperor had a vision. He saw the Virgin surrounded by a great army overcoming his forces. Afraid of being defeated, the Tatars retreated and left Moscow.
People prayed to this Icon when there were natural disasters or foreign invasions and also asked to bring peace to disputes among themselves

Virgin Eleusa. «Tenderness». 28 х 36 cm

2006-04-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

“Umilenie” is a Russian word which means in Greek “Eleusa” or in English “Tenderness”. This iconographic type comes from Byzantine’s 11th century based on the iconographic technique “Odigitria”. The “Eleusa” Icon contours, depicting the Virgin touching a cheek of the infant Jesus, appear especially touching and gentle. The Virgin lowers her head to the Child seeking a mercy from him to the mankind. In turn, The Child responds to her and the rest of the world with holiness. This Icon was rewritten from the Novgorod original of 13th century which is located in Uspenkiy Dome of the Moscow Kremlin.
Prayers usually seek for mercifulness to themselves and people when they pray to the Virgin “Eleusa” Icon.

Elijah the Prophet. 21 х 28 cm

2006-04-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

St. Elijah the Prophet was born in Fesfiya (Фесвии Галаадской) 900 years earlier than Jesus Christ. Since his childhood, he had been dedicated to the One Lord, lived in a desert along with rigid posts and praying. St. Elijah became “the true faith” admirer. Because of his passionate envy about the Fame, the Lord’s prophet Elijah was taken to the Heavens in a blazed chariot. According to believes of the Holy Church, Elijah the Prophet will be a witness of the Second Coming of Christ.

The Holy Apostle Andrew, the First-called. 24 х 30 cm

2006-04-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

St. Andrew was a student of John the Baptist, and the first who followed Jesus Christ and proclaimed him as the Savior. St. Andrew was with the Lord when a miracle with five breads happened and after which 5000 people were saved from the famine. With the Lord’s blessed word, Apostle Andrew traveled from Dnepr (ancient Borisphen) to Kiev Mountains. When he arrived to Kiev Mountains, St. Andrew put the cross at the top of the mountain and declared that on this very spot would be a new settlement, in which the Lord would build many churches. In the year of 62, in a town named Patry, a consul Egeat ordered to crucify St. Andrew on the cross which resembled the Rome’s letter “X”. In 357 this cross was moved into the temple of St. Apostles in Constantinople. In 1208 it was transferred to Italy and in 1458 it was finally moved into St. Peter’s Dome in Rome.

St. Seraphim Sarovskiy. 13 х 16 cm

2006-04-06T00:50:00.000-07:00

St Seraphim Sarovskiy was born in a wealthy family. When he was 10 years old he got very ill and there was no hope that he would ever get healthy again. The Virgin came into his dream and cured him. This affected the boy’s destiny afterwards. At 17, he decided to leave his family to become a monk with a new name, Seraphim, at the Sarovskiy Cathedral. When he became an Ier-Monk at 35, he moved into the woods, where he had lived for 16 years in a hut on the shore of the Sarovki River.
Once he was attacked by muggers and brutally beaten because he had not carried valuable things to steal from him. Doctors came to conclusion that he would not survive but the Virgin came to him and said: “What are you doing? This one is a kin of mine”. Afterwards, Seraphim started getting healthy very quickly. He asked not to punish the robbers, but in a while all their belongings were destroyed in a big fire. They realized their fault and apologized for what they did to the Saint Seraphim. After Seraphim returned to the Cathedral, he lived in isolation for 17 years. In the last years of his life Seraphim founded Diveev Women Monastery and helped sisters. The Saint Seraphim died on January 1 1833.

The Dome of Archangel Michael. 30 х 40 cm

2006-04-06T00:49:00.000-07:00

The word, Archangel, originally comes from Greek meaning “the head of angels”.
Archangel Michael is known as “The head of Angel Warriors”. In the book called “The Truth”, a battle in the sky is described, where Archangel Michael with his Angel Warriors fought against a Dragon.
The Icon also depicts a second Archangel, Gavril. His name in Greek means “God’s will”. He is one of the seven key angels, taking peoples’ praying to the God. Moreover, he was sent by Lord to notify Saint Maria about her pregnancy with Jesus.
Finally, an image of Jesus, which is depicted as an icon, is placed between two Archangels

St. Boris and Gleb. 27 х 31 cm

2006-04-04T00:39:00.000-07:00

Boris and Gleb – first Russian Saints – sons of St. Vladimir the First, who baptized the ancient Russia. In 1015, the Great Tsar Vladimir died and the throne was overtaken by the sons’ brother-in-law, Svyatopolk (The Cursed). He decided to eliminate all rivals and ordered to kill the brothers. When Boris found out about the betrayal, he left his army and started to pray. During the praying he was killed by Svyatopolk’s soldiers. Gleb was lured into the castle and in spite of his begging for mercy, he was murdered. His body was thrown into the river.
Brothers were canonized after their deaths and the whole Russia respected them for clemency and truthfulness.

Virgin of Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos. 30 х 40 cm

2006-04-03T00:38:00.000-07:00

This Icon is the copy of the original, which is located in Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos. The name Vatopedi (from Greek – “denier’s bush) comes from the story when a young king Arkady fell off his ship and almost drown in the see near the Monastery, but with the help of the Virgin he was saved and dragged back onto the shore. Its contours, the Icon received after a remarkable event in the year of 807. A group of crooks planned to rob the Monastery during the night. However, when the priest came to see the Icon the day before, he suddenly heard a voice coming from it: “Do not close the gates tonight, but instead stay in the Monastery and battle off the robbers”. But the Child covering his Mother’s lips advised her: No, Mother, don’t warn them, they must face a punishment”, but the Virgin putting her face aside to avoid the hand of the Child stated the same phrase twice. Since then, this miraculous Icon is known under the names “Calmness” or “Serenity”

Crucified Jesus. 26 х 33 cm

2006-04-03T00:37:00.000-07:00

The Cross was positioned on Golgofe in front of the heaven’s rhomb with a depiction of Tetramorphous (traditional definition of angels, taken from visions seen by a preacher, Izekiel; a creature with wings and four faces: Human’s, Lion’s, Taurus’, and Eagle’s as a symbol of four evangelists). On this Icon, Jesus Christ is seen in four different perspectives: as Crucified with bleeding wounds on his hands and feet; as Seraphim with numerous amount of eyes on his wings; as Leader of the heaven’s army with the crown on his head and the sword in his hands (for the reason that he defeated Death), and finally as David the King and the first saint priest supported by The Holy Spirit.

The Savior

2006-03-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

In Byzantine iconography, a figure of the Savior was one of the most important representations. An illustration of the Savior was depicted inside the Cathedral as the core for all church drawings . This kind of the praying icon is called “the Savior”. The drawing of the Savior is condensed, since the shape and features of the Savior’s face as well as his clothes are illustrated schematically.

Traditionally, the Savior’s face expression is serious but at the same time, it is peaceful with some calm and relaxed frame of mind. In the ancient Russian iconography, a depiction of the Savior from the collection of “Deusus” was widely spread.

St. Veronica. 30 х 40 cm

2006-03-29T23:53:00.000-08:00

According to belief, St Veronica was giving a supernatural healing when she touched the edge of Christ’s Cope. She also gave Jesus a white cloth to wipe his face on his way to the crucifixion. As seen on the Icon, the shape of Jesus’ face was imprinted on this cloth.

Faith, Hope, Love and Their Mother Sophia. 27 х 35 cm

2006-03-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

In the ancient times, Sophia lived and suffered with her daughters in the year of 137 during Emperor Adrian’s ruling. Sophia, who was born in Italy, was a kind-hearted widow. She praised Christianity and lived her life very radically as even her name, Sophia, means “Wisdom”. She raised her three daughters, Faith, Hope and Love teaching them to resist what evil tongues stated.
St. Sophie considered praising the belief in Jesus Christ as her life’s major goal, which was stronger than any physical agonies, pain and even death. She truly believed that human’s soul could approach the top of all wisdoms – Jesus Christ.

St. Nicholas the Miracle

2006-03-27T23:53:00.000-08:00

St. Nicholas the Miracle is one of the most renown Saints in both Russian and Western traditions. During his life as Archiepiscopal of the city named Likiya, Nicolas had done many incredible things. Once, there was a famine in Likiya. He visited a merchant’s dream, who loaded bread onto his ship. The Saint gave him three golden coins and ordered to transport the bread in Likiya. All inhabitants were rescued from the starved death. In addition, St Nicolas saved many people from dungeons during furious storms in the see.

It is believed that St. Nicolas the Miracle’s Icon brings luck and happiness to marriages and the life afterwards as well as protects from robbers, imprisonments, drowning and poor life. Moreover, it helps people who got lost find a way out.

The Virgin of Kazan. 14,5 х 20 cm

2006-03-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

In the 16th century, Kazan City was taken over by Russians and it was no longer a part of the Kazan Empire. After a devastating fire that destroyed half of the city, a little girl Matrena saw Virgin of Kazan icon in her dreams. The Virgin asked to get the Icon out of the ground and tell the Archiepiscopal about it. Nevertheless, nobody took the girl’s words seriously. The same dream repeated itself two more times. After that, Matrena and her mother dug the Icon out, which after praying was moved into the Blagoveshnkiy Cathedral. The new arrived Icon had supernatural curing effects, helped and protected Russian people from threats of being conquered by foreign foes.

Welcome note

2005-12-19T01:58:00.000-08:00

This Blog is dedicated to promoting Russian Icons accross the world.