An Evening with ICONS…

Join us for an evening of exploration and veneration of the oldest and most sacred of Christian imagery!

>  Entrance procession and remarks from Fr. Mitchel Roman.

>  Writing and praying with icons from the one & only Jane Cardinal.

>  Testimony on the transformative power of icons from Kathy Potts.

>  AUCTION of beautiful icons in support of St. Michael High School.

>  Elegant desserts & coffee as we deepen our faith through sacred art.

Jesus Christ, the Merciful

This icon was inspired by a Byzantine 11th century mosaic of Christ the Merciful. The images of Christ range a great deal in their facial expression from stern to gentle. Notice that the painted icon has one side of the face more judging than the other. The dramatic colors speak of majesty and power but even so His eyes tell you He listens with a loving heart.  The letters in the halo W O N represent “He who is” (tell them that I AM) The IC XC is shortened Greek for Jesus Christ – Son of God. The gold inner robe is the color of God. The outer robe is symbolic of his celestial home.

 

Jesus Christ, Savior of Souls

This icon comes from a type called the Pantocrator (ruler of the universe).  In their portrait of Christ, icon painters had the task of reproducing the ideal image — that is, of combining the sublimity of his divine Person with his true humanity. At the same time, the beauty of the humanity redeemed by him is supposed to shine forth in the beauty of his image.

 

‘Assuage My Sorrows’

This is known as a miracle working icon from when it was copied and carried to Moscow by the Cossacks as they defied the Poles in 1640. Among the miracles was that of a noble lady (Boyarynya) who had suffered paralysis of her legs for many years, but then in a dream, experienced the Mother of God softly directing her to reverence this icon in the church of St. Nicholas which was many miles away. Our Lady promised she would be healed. Upon reaching the church and finding no icon of that type, she spoke to the priest who recalled the icons stored in the bell tower and brought them down. One bore the inscription “Assuage My Sorrows”. Upon seeing it, Boyarynya recognized the image – then after a Molten prayer service of supplication and intercession, she stood and walked from the church without help.

Our Lady, the Compassionate One

There are basic types of variations of icons of Our Lady. This belongs to the Eleusa Group (in Greek meaning the compassionate one.)  This icon type was created in Russia where simple people were particularly attracted to the expression of tenderness between mother and child. It must be written carefully so that the dignity of the image does not degenerate into sentimentality. The mother bows her head toward the child. In spite of the caresses of her little Son, the Mother of God always appears to be expressing that which she held in her heart ranging from deep melancholy to bereavement.

Personal Guardian Angels

The purchasers of these icons may have the names of their respective recipients painted upon the scrolls – a unique and precious Christmas gift!