Iconography by the hand of Matthew D. Garrett
The original of this icon is attributed to St. Luke. It is reputed to have traveled extensively before it came to rest in Cyprus where it is credited with numerous miracles and healings. Copies of this icon became commonplace in Russian in the 17th century.
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The Beautiful Gate, also known as the Royal or Holy Doors, stand between the Nave and the Sanctuary in an Orthodox Church. They serve as both as separation and a point of contact between these two areas of the Church. These doors depict the Annunciation — the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos to tell her that she will conceive and bear Christ, as well as the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John.
These Royal Doors are part of the iconostasis at Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Boise, ID.
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This triptych features an icon of the Kykkos Mother of God. The original of this icon is attributed to St. Luke. It is reputed to have traveled extensively before it came to rest in Cyprus where it is credited with numerous miracles and healings. Copies of this icon became commonplace in Russian in the 17th century.
On either side of the Mother of God are depicted St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle and St. George the Trophy-Bearer. This icon was commissioned for a wedding gift and the saints depicted are the patron saints of the couple.
The closed triptych features a byzantine floral cross pattern.
The Glykophilousa Mother of God is of the Tenderness or “Eleousa” type. It depicts the Theotokos holding Christ in a tender embrace. We see Christ’s affection and love for His mother, while she looks out at us, revealing her care for those still in this world.
This icon is available for purchase in the Icons for Sale section.
The Theotokos “More Spacious then the Heavens” is of the type, Our Lady of the Sign. The Theotokos is the “sign” foretold in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb, and shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Emmanuel.” The Mother of God is shown in the Orans position, that is a position of prayer or supplication. The Platytera is placed in the apse of Orthodox churches as an intermediary, supplicating God on our behalf.
In 1654, there was a plague that struck the region around the city of Kazan. The original of this icon was brought from the Seven Lakes Monastery and carried in procession with the Kazan icon of the Mother of God. Soon afterward the plague began to subside, and the icon was brought into people’s homes until the plague had gone away completely.
The original of this icon, celebrated on 9 October, takes its name from the Russian rendering of Cherson, the ancient Greek city on the Black Sea. Reputed to work miracles, in 988 the icon was removed from Cherson and “translated” to Kiev. Later it resided in Novgorod and in Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral. — 8″ x 10″
“A strong defense for the downtrodden art Thou, Immaculate Mother of God, a sure help, the redemption and foundation of the world, origin of grace and source of divine wisdom, the protection of the whole world. We faithfully sing Thy praises and have thankful hearts for Thy radiant protective cloak: Filled with joy, rejoice, the Lord is with Thee, the Lord, who through Thee hast bestowed plentiful grace on the whole world.” — Hymn for the Feast of Pokrov
The feast of the Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov), celebrated October 1st, commemorates a vision of Andrew the fool for Christ, in which the Mother of God stepped through the Royal Doors of the Blachernae Church in Constantinople and began praying. After a long time spent in prayer, She held her mantle and sash over the people in the church, granting them her protection. This icon if very common among the Slavs.
O Birthgiver of God, in giving birth you retained virginity, and in your falling-asleep you did not forsake the world. You are the Mother of Life and have passed into life, and by your prayers have delivered our souls from death. — Troparion for the Dormition
This icon was painted for the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Chapel at Camp Nazareth.
The prototype of this icon, known as “the One Who Shows the Way” is attributed to Saint Luke according to Byzantine Tradition. It is one of the most common types of the Mother of God, being frequently copied especially in the period following the end of iconoclasm. Many other types of the Mother of God are based on this type. The frontal and rigid stance of the figures in the icon shows the protective character of Christ and the Theotokos. — 16″ x 20″ based on a prototype by Michael Damaskinos in Corfu.
