Take a look at this icon. On the surface, it looks like a Theophany icon, but it’s so much more. How many other feasts can you see?
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This icon was shared by Sacred Arts Initiative and was painted by the hand of George Kordis.
On the surface, this icon shows the baptism of Christ and the revelation of the Trinity: the Son is baptized, the voice of the Father calls him his “beloved Son,” – represented by the three half circles at the top of the icon – and the spirit descends in the form of a dove.
But, when you look closer, you’ll notice that Christ is standing on the Gates of Hades.
Of course, this looks forward to our celebration of Pascha (Passover or Easter), when Christ “tramples down death by death.”
Here’s that icon for reference:
But our Theophany icon not only looks forward, but it also looks backward.
It takes us back to the curse of Adam, who was led astray by a serpent. Take another look. Do you see how Christ’s heel is bruising the serpent’s head?
…he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 RSV)
Additionally, the shape of the waters around Christ in this icon should also jog our memory. It looks a bit like the cave in which Christ was born.
So, in this one icon, we have at least three feasts referenced (Theophany, Nativity, and Pascha) and we have a reference to the creation of humanity, our fall, and our redemption.
Of course, each feast has something to say about our salvation; how God so loved the world that he gave us his uniquely begotten Son to die on the cross.
They all say something about how, when this God took on flesh and died, it led to his resurrection.
They all say something about how, when we unite ourselves to the Messiah (baptism, chrismation, communion), we also share in a resurrection like his.
What are your thoughts? What do you see in this icon?
P.S.
I now invite you to enter deeper into the mystery of Christ with the Orthodox Church!
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