Orthodox icon | Christ Emmanuel | Palekh | 24827

Orthodox icon | Christ Emmanuel | Palekh | 24827.

This rare icon emerged in Russia during the 12th century, drawing inspiration from the prophecy of Isaiah (7:14): “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

The iconography of Emmanuel aimed to convey the divine Word of God in its various forms, from its pre-existence and eternal nature before the incarnation, to its existence after the incarnation. The portrayal of Emmanuel seated on the lap or in the arms of the Mother of God served as a proclamation of the perfect incarnation.

Early Byzantine art hesitated to depict Emmanuel as a child, instead presenting an image that resembled an “old man.” In icon painting, however, he is depicted as a boy, often with features reminiscent of elderly individuals based on ancient and non-Protestant models known as the “old child” or “paidariogeron” in Greek.

This portrayal typically includes a hunched posture and a prominent forehead, with the solemn eyes of an adult gazing at the viewer. Emmanuel’s image, often depicted within a round shield or medallion, holds great significance in the iconography of specific depictions of the Mother of God, symbolizing the incarnation of the eternal Word of God.

The representation of Emmanuel is primarily found within the realm of the Eastern Church and its areas of influence.

Saints on the border:

On the border of the icon, we find:

• A holy Guardian Angel

Saint Mary Magdalene

• Saint Mary Magdalene holds a special place in Orthodox Christianity as one of the most revered and beloved saints. Known as the Equal-to-the-Apostles, she is honored for her close relationship with Jesus Christ and her role as a faithful witness to his ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.In Orthodox tradition, Saint Mary Magdalene is celebrated on July 22nd and is highly regarded as an apostle and evangelist. She is often referred to as “the Myrrh-bearer” due to her involvement in anointing the body of Jesus with myrrh and spices after his crucifixion. She is also recognized as one of the women who discovered the empty tomb and witnessed the resurrected Christ.

  Orthodox Christians deeply appreciate Saint Mary Magdalene’s unwavering faith and devotion. She exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Christ’s love and mercy, as she experienced his forgiveness and was transformed from a life of sin to a life dedicated to following him. Her story serves as a reminder of God’s boundless grace and the possibility of spiritual renewal and transformation for all believers.

  Throughout Orthodox liturgical services and hymns, Saint Mary Magdalene is honored as a model of repentance and love for Christ. Her example encourages believers to seek forgiveness, embrace a life of repentance, and grow in their love for God and others. She is also regarded as a patron saint for those who have led sinful lives and seek spiritual healing and restoration.

  Iconography plays a significant role in Orthodox veneration of Saint Mary Magdalene. She is often depicted with great reverence and tenderness, holding a small jar of myrrh, symbolizing her role as a Myrrh-bearer. The icons convey her profound love for Christ and her unwavering commitment to serving him.

  Devotion to Saint Mary Magdalene extends beyond the Orthodox Church, as she is honored and revered by Christians worldwide. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of God’s redeeming love and the transformative impact of encountering Christ’s presence and forgiveness. Orthodox faithful continue to draw inspiration from her example and seek her intercession in their spiritual journeys.

Saint Venerable Anthony

• Saint Venerable Anthony holds a significant place in the Orthodox tradition as the revered founder of the Kiev Cave Lavra, one of the most renowned monastic communities in Eastern Christianity. He is celebrated on July 10th and is venerated for his profound spirituality, asceticism, and his role in establishing a spiritual center that became a beacon of Orthodox monasticism.Saint Anthony was born in the 11th century in Lyubech, near Chernihiv, in present-day Ukraine. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong inclination towards a life of prayer, contemplation, and renunciation of worldly desires. Inspired by the Desert Fathers and the early Christian monastic tradition, he embarked on a rigorous ascetic journey in search of spiritual enlightenment.

  Driven by his deep devotion and longing for a life of solitude and communion with God, Saint Anthony retreated to the caves near Kiev, where he dedicated himself to a life of prayer, fasting, and self-discipline. Over time, other like-minded individuals were drawn to his austere way of life, and a monastic community gradually formed around him.

  With his spiritual guidance and leadership, Saint Anthony transformed the Kiev Cave Lavra into a thriving monastic center. He established a monastic rule based on the principles of simplicity, humility, and intense spiritual practice. The community of monks under his guidance devoted themselves to prayer, manual labor, and acts of charity, embodying the virtues of poverty, obedience, and selflessness.

  Saint Anthony’s reputation as a wise and holy elder attracted numerous disciples, seeking his spiritual guidance and counsel. He was renowned for his spiritual discernment and ability to offer insightful guidance to those seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual life. Many sought his intercession and guidance in their personal struggles and challenges.

  Saint Anthony’s legacy extends beyond the physical establishment of the Kiev Cave Lavra. His teachings and example continue to inspire generations of Orthodox faithful, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discipline, inner transformation, and the pursuit of union with God. The Kiev Cave Lavra, which grew from his humble beginnings, remains a revered spiritual center and pilgrimage site, attracting believers from all over the world.

  Saint Venerable Anthony’s life of deep devotion, asceticism, and service to others exemplifies the ideal of the Orthodox monastic tradition. His legacy continues to inspire monks and laypeople alike to seek a life of inner purification, humility, and dedication to God’s will. Orthodox believers honor and venerate Saint Anthony as a spiritual guide, intercessor, and patron of monasticism.

Saint Venerable Theodore of the Kiev Cave Lavra

• Saint Venerable Theodore of the Kiev Cave Lavra, also known as Theodore of Ostrog, holds a revered place in Orthodox Christianity as a prominent saint and spiritual leader. Celebrated on August 11th, he is venerated for his asceticism, piety, and his significant contributions to the Kiev Cave Lavra, one of the most important monastic communities in Eastern Orthodoxy.Born in the late 13th century into a noble family in the principality of Volhynia, Theodore displayed a deep spiritual inclination from a young age. Inspired by the teachings of the Church and the lives of the saints, he sought to devote his life to God through asceticism and prayer.

  At a later stage in his life, Theodore joined the monastic community at the Kiev Cave Lavra, where he embraced the rigorous asceticism and disciplined life of a monk. He immersed himself in prayer, fasting, and self-denial, striving to cultivate virtues and attain spiritual enlightenment.

  Theodore’s reputation as a wise and holy elder grew, and he soon became known for his deep spirituality and compassionate nature. People sought his guidance and counsel, seeking solace and wisdom in times of difficulty. He offered spiritual direction, taught the ways of the monastic life, and provided comfort to those in need.

  Recognizing his wisdom and leadership qualities, Theodore was appointed as the abbot of the Kiev Cave Lavra, overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the monastery. Under his guidance, the monastic community flourished, attracting numerous disciples who sought to follow his example of devotion and dedication to God.

  Saint Theodore also played a significant role in defending and preserving the Orthodox faith during a challenging period of political and religious unrest. He actively opposed the spread of Latin Catholicism in his homeland and worked tirelessly to protect the Orthodox Church’s traditions and teachings.

  Throughout his life, Saint Theodore demonstrated a profound love for God and a genuine concern for the salvation of souls. He emphasized the importance of humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice as essential virtues on the spiritual path. His teachings and writings on the monastic life and the pursuit of holiness continue to inspire and guide Orthodox believers to this day.

  Saint Venerable Theodore of the Kiev Cave Lavra’s legacy endures through the spiritual wisdom he imparted, his exemplary life of asceticism, and his contributions to the growth and preservation of the Kiev Cave Lavra. He is venerated as a spiritual guide, intercessor, and patron saint of monks, reminding Orthodox faithful of the transformative power of a life devoted to prayer, humility, and selfless service to God and others.

Source: Orthodox icon | Christ Emmanuel | Palekh | 24827 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de