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Iconostasis There are three main types of icons which are found in Orthodox churches and in people's homes:- Mother of God Hodogetria
This is one of the most common forms of icon. The mother of God is Mary and she is holding the baby Jesus in one arm and pointing to him with the fingers of the other hand. Hodogetria means "showing the way" so Mary is indicating that salvation can only be obtained through her son Jesus. The oldest and most revered icon (it is regarded as a national treasure) is one of this type is called The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and was brought to Russia from Constantinople in the early 12th.century. Kristos Pantokrator
Another very common type of icon is the one shown below. It shows Christ in glory, not the suffering Christ of the western Catholic crucifix but as "Pantokrator" or ruler of the universe. The Saints
Icons representing the saints are very common. The one below is an icon of Saint Nicholas, probably the most popular saint in the Orthodox faith. He is not only the protector of children and travellers (especially sailors) he is also the patron saint of Russia. |
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