Orthodox icon | Four Great Feasts | 25027

A travel icon made of bronze, brass, or yellow metal, forming one part of a Tetraptych.

Above: The New Testament Trinity, consisting of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, accompanied by a choir of Archangels and the Symbols of the Four Evangelists.

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2)

The Mother of God, along with Christ and her fiancé Joseph, visited the temple in Jerusalem on the fortieth day after Jesus’ birth to present the child to God. At the temple, they encountered the aged Simeon and the prophetess Hanna, who had been residing there. Simeon had been prophesied that he would not die until he saw the Messiah, and he held the child in his arms.

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan (January 6)

This depicts the Gospel account of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Jesus, standing unclothed in the river, is accompanied by John the Baptist, while angels stand on the opposite bank. Above them hovers the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. With His right hand at waist level, Jesus bestows His blessing.

The Transfiguration of Christ (August 6)

While in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up a mountain with Him. He left them momentarily and proceeded further up to pray alone. During His prayer, He underwent a transfiguration, appearing in glorious form. When the disciples awakened from their sleep, they beheld their teacher, Jesus Christ, shining radiantly in white garments. Standing next to Christ are the prophets Moses and Elijah, while below them, John and Jacob kneel, and Peter lies prostrate on the ground.

The Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

This scene portrays Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem one week before His crucifixion. He is depicted riding a donkey, accompanied by His disciples. The people of Jerusalem warmly welcome Him as He enters the city.

Source: © 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