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Dionisy

Ferapontov Monastery

Museum of Frescoes

Christ the Redeemer. Zvenigorod Tier. Andrei Rublev

Theotokos. Dionisy and his studio. 1490s or 1502-1503

An icon from the iconostasis of the Virgin Nativity Cathedral of the St. Ferapont Monastery. Generally, its iconographic style stems from the Moscow tradition. However, it is distinguished by a rare outline of her clothes: a ledged, not sharp form of the right flap of the cloak

Mother of God Hodegetria of Smolensk with the Saints. Dionisy. The last quarter of the 15th century

The icon originates from the sacristy of the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery

John the Baptist. Dionisy and his studio. 1490s or 1502-1503

An icon from the iconostasis of the Virgin Nativity Cathedral of the St. Ferapont Monastery. The manner of face painting, though more dense, is, on the whole, similar to that of the Theotokos

A view of the St. Paphnutius Borovsk Monastery

The monastery was founded on a beautiful high bank where the Istrema River flows into the Protva River in 1444 by St. Paphnutius of Borovsk

Head of an unknown saint. Dionisy

Most likely, this fragment pertained to the representation of an emperor in one of the scenes of The Ecumenical councils cycle

Medallion on a shroud at the bottom of the decoration. Dionisy

The surviving fragment includes stylized flower and leaf motifs

Plan showing the location of fragments of masonry of the Cathedral of the Virgin Nativity of the St. Paphnutius Borovsk Monastery

Reconstruction: S.S. Podyapolsky, V.N. Merkelova and N.V. Churkanova

The Cathedral of the Dormition, the Moscow Kremlin

The foundation of the first stone building of the cathedral was laid in 1326 by the first Moscow Metropolitan Peter and Moscow Prince Ivan Kalita

St. Metropolitan Peter with scenes from his life. Dionisy and his studio

The attributed date of the icon pair St. Metropolitan Peter and St. Metropolitan Alexius is still being disputed and ranges between 1462 and 1519

St. Metropolitan Alexius with scenes from his life. Dionisy and his studio

The icons of St. Metropolitan Peter and St. Metropolitan Alexius are the oldest icons with scenes of the lives of the Moscow saints

St. Alexius, Man of God. Dionisy

A fragment of the altar wall of the Dormition Cathedral

The North-western Pillar of the Saviour Transfiguration Cathedral of the Kamenny Monastery

Sizeable fragments of the collapsed walls were preserved thanks to the large size of the bricks as well as the strength of the mortar

The Saviour Transfiguration Cathedral of the Saviour Kamenny Monastery

The southern façade. Reconstruction

The Saviour Transfiguration Cathedral of the Kamenny Monastery

The interior. The north-east view. A photo from the 1920s

Ruins of the Saviour Transfiguration Cathedral of the Kamenny Monastery

The south-east view

The Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlingrad, the fortress of Moscow. The layout of the Moscow Kremlin. Early 1600s

The Holy Virgin Hodegetria. Dionisy

According to chronicles, the Hodegetria of the Ascension Monastery is an exact copy of the miracle-working image of the Constantinople monastery

The Ascension Monastery. A photo from N.A. Naidenov’s album Moscow. Cathedrals, Monasteries and Churches, 1882

A view of the Ascension Monastery

The Gatehouse of the Ascension Monastery

A photo between 1900 and 1930

Joseph Volotsky

View of the St. Joseph Volokolamsk Monastery

A beautiful panoramic view of the monastery with strong fortified walls, tented towers and shining cupolas

The Holy Virgin Hodegetria. Dionisy

The compositional and technical features do not contradict the attributed date of 1485 (which is determined by the date of the construction of the stone Assumption Cathedral in the St. Joseph Volokolamsk Monastery), and, therefore, can be ascribed to Dionisy

The Church of the All-Merciful Saviour at Chigasy. A photo from N. Naidenov’s album Moscow. Cathedrals, Monasteries and Churches, 1882

The Church of the All-Merciful Saviour at Chigasy in Taganka (the Saviour Chigasov Monastery, founded in the 15th century, was still there in 1555; the stone church was laid in 1483)

The Crucifixion. Dionisy

Along with the frescoes of the Virgin Nativity Cathedral of the St. Ferapont Monastery this icon can be regarded as one of few that effect the contemporary perception of Dionisy’s style and manner

The Saviour with Forces. Dionisy

A representation of Christ surrounded by divine forces and four apocalyptic creatures (a man, a calf, a lion and an eagle) that illustrates eschatological Old Testament visions and texts of the Apocalypse

The Dormition of the Theotokos. Dionisy

The devastating fires of 1538 and 1767 had an adverse effect on the state of the icon

St. Thomas’s Protestation. Dionisy and his studio

The theme of the icon is based on the Gospel according to St. John, narrating the episode when the risen Christ appeared in front of his disciples, but Thomas refused to believe in his resurrection until he actually touched the wounds

The Resurrection – Descent to the Underworld. Dionisy and his studio

The icon is dedicated to one of the central events of the evangelic story and the main Orthodox feast, Christ’s Resurrection. It is the most detailed version of Resurrection icons

John the Baptist. Dionisy and his studio

The oldest prototype of such icons is the icon of the Dormition Cathedral in Vladimir dated 1408

Saint Paul, the Apostle. Dionisy and studio

The position of the Gospel in the apostle’s hands is rare: it protrudes forward, tilted and supported by his right hand

The Holy Virgin Hodegetria. Dionisy and his studio

N.V. Pertsev’s comparative analysis affirms that the compositional solution, preparatory drawing and face belong to Dionisy while the secondary elements were painted by his assistants (studio)

A view of the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery

In the 15th-16th centuries the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery was the most prominent religious, cultural and economic centre of the Russian North

St. Cyril of Belozero with scenes from his life. Dionisy and his studio. Early 16th century

The icon originated from the iconostasis of the Dormition Cathedral of the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery. Since the monastery’s closure it has been in the Central Restoration Centre in Moscow

A view of the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery. N. Martynov. An album drawing. 1860. The Russian State Museum

The Dormition Cathedral, the Churches of St. Vladimir and St. Epiphanius

Cyril of Belozero. Dionisy

There is a conjecture that the icon was originally intended for the Dormition Cathedral of the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery. However, it originates from the Kazan Cathedral of the town of Kirillov

A view of the Saviour Priluki Monastery

The monastery acquired its name from the principal church of the monastery, the Church of the All-Merciful Saviour, and the river curve on which the cloister stands

St. Demetrios of Priluki with scenes from his life. Dionisy and his studio

Dionisy managed to create an ideal of a Russian ascetic, strict hegumen, philosopher, teacher and wise interlocutor in the representation of St. Demetrios

The Iconostasis of the Virgin Nativity Cathedral. A photo of the early 20th century

The iconostasis consisted of four tiers: the Sovereign, Feasts, Deesis and Prophets, encased in a carved wooden frame in the middle of the 18th century

The Church of the Annunciation with the Refectory and Ruins of the Dining Chamber

A water colour from the album of N.Martynov. 1840s-1860s

Fresco above the Relics of St. Martinian. Dionisy. 1502

The Interior of the Churches

The Wall

The Genealogy of Icon Painter Dionisy

A record of Dionisy’s family in the bead-roll of the St. Ferapont Belozero Monastery of the 17th century

Deesis

Deesis (from Greek – “supplication”), a composition, consisting of the Theotokos and John the Baptist at the head of saints praying in front of Christ Pantocrator. On the western façade of the Nativity Cathedral the central figure of enthroned Christ in a medallion is flanked on the sides by seven figures: the Theotokos, John the Baptist, archangels Michael and Gabriel, apostles Peter and Paul and apostle John the Evangelist (?)

The Theotokos

John the Baptist
the last of the prophets, the precursor, who announced the coming of Jesus Christ. He is the son of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who was a cousin of the Mother of God. Called by “the word of God” (Luke 3:2) John the Baptist preached “in the wilderness of Judea” (Matthew 3:1) and “all the region around the Jourdan” (Luke 3:3). His preaching of repentance and the imminent coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 3:2) attracted a great deal of disciples and followers. As an outward sign of repentance and spiritual renewal John the Baptist chose a ceremony of “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3), ablution in water that Jesus Christ among many others submitted to in waters. of the Jordan. At this the covenant came true: “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33). John the Baptist was executed by Herod Antipas for condemning his illegal marriage to Herodias. Feast days: 7 (20) January (Synaxis), 24 February (9 March), 24 June (7 July), 29 August (11 September He is also depicted in the composition The Last Judgement and in the semidome of the altar.

Archangel Michael
One of the seven archangels, the leader of the celestial army in a battle with Satan (Jude 12:7), the protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13 etc.) Feast days: 6 (19) September; 8 (21) November.

Archangel Gabriel
One of the seven archangels (Tobit 12:15) who understood the vision of prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:16) and revealed to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20), to Virgin Mary, the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour (Luke 1:26-38). In divine service he is characterized as “pre-eternal wisdom enlightening the whole universe”. Feast day: 26 March (8 April).

Saint Peter the Apostle
(the second figure on the left),
the leading apostle, whose original name before the calling was Simon, son of Jona and brother of apostle Andrew (John 1:40-42), fisherman from Bethsaida. He was one of the 12 disciples whom Jesus chose for preaching the word of God; he was crucified in Rome by order of the emperor Nero. The author of the two epistles included into the New Testament. Feast day: 29 June (12 July). He is also represented in the evangelic compositions and akathist scenes as well as in the Last Judgement.

St. Paul the Apostle
the original name before calling - Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin, former persecutor of Christians. He was converted into the true faith and was called for apostlolic service and preaching to pagans by God who addressed to him from heaven (Acts 26:12-18). He is the author of fourteen epistles to various Christian communities and persons. Feast day together with St. Peter: 29 June (12 July). He is also represented in the evangelic compositions and akathist scenes as well as in the Last Judgement.
John the Evangelist, one of the 12 apostles, son of fisherman Zebedee, from Bethsaida, disciple of John the Baptist. He was present in all important events of Christ’s life: stood by Christ’s cross; the crucified teacher committed his mother Mary to his care (John 19:26). Together with St. Peter he preached Christ in Jerusalem, but was persecuted by the Sanhedrim and was lashed. Tradition relates that he was sent from Jerusalem to Rome where he endured Nero’s persecution of Christians, was seized and exiled to a deserted island Patmos where he received apocalyptic visions of the future of the Church and the world that constituted the last book of the New Testament: the Book of Revelation. He spent his last years at Ephesus where he wrote three epistles and the fourth Gospel. Feast days: 8 (21) May and 26 September (9 October). He is also depicted on the north-eastern pendentive, in the evangelic compositions and akathist scenes as well as in the Last Judgement.

Nativity of the Mother of God

Anna who has recently given birth to Mary is depicted reclining on a couch in the house of Joiakim; maidens offer her gifts and congratulate her on the birth of her daughter.

Bathing of Mary

There is a font for ablution of a baby with maidens and wives standing around; one of them is holding the newly-born Mary in her hands.

Mary’s Dream

An effigy of Mary lying in a cradle and two maidens.

Caressing of Mary

Anna with the newly-born daughter and Joiakim sit on the steps of a house caressing and worshipping Mary.

Archangel Michael

One of the seven archangels, the leader of the celestial army in a battle with Satan (Jude 12:7), the protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13 etc.) Feast days: 6 (19) September; 8 (21) November. He is represented in the dress of a warrior as a guardian of the cathedral gate punishing sinners entering it. He is also painted in the Deesis composition above the western portal, in the drum, in the altar, in the Last Judgement scene and above the northern door.

Archangel Gabriel

One of the seven archangels (Tobit 12:15) who understood the vision of prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:16) and revealed to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20), to Virgin Mary – the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour (Luke 1:26-38). In divine service he is characterized as “pre-existent wisdom enlightening the whole universe”. Feast: 26 March (8 April). He is represented with a scroll writing down names and good deeds of people who enter the cathedral. He is also painted in the Deesis composition above the western portal, in the drum, in the altar, in the akathist compositions, in the Last Judgement scene and above the southern door.

Mother of God with the Child. Representation with John of Damascus and Cosmas of Jerusalem, Bishop of Maiuma

The Mother of God with the child. A medallion with a half-length figure of the Mother of God with the child Jesus. The child is blessing with his right hand while holding in his left hand a scroll that reminds of the teaching that enlightens and saves the human race. Similar images are placed on the side of the north-western corner vault, in the composition “Seeing a strange childbirth...” (Akathist, Kontakion 8)

St. John of Damascus (c. 675 – c.749), one of the renowned Fathers of the Church, an outstanding Christian theologian and writer of hymns. He served at the court of the caliph in Damascus and around 736 he took the tonsure in the St. Sabas Monastery near Jerusalem. He spent most of his life defending the Orthodoxy and veneration of the holy images during the iconoclastic period under Leo III (717-741). the author of three Apologetic Treatises against those decrying the holy images. He integrated Christian knowledge in his dogmatic work The Fountain of Wisdom that consisted of three parts: The Dialectics, The Book on Heresies and An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, written at the end of his life. The church tradition attributes John of Damascus with a great many hymns: canons of major feasts (the Easter, the Nativity, the Epiphany, the Ascension etc.) and a number of troparia, and stichera as well as compilation of the public worship Oktoikh Feast day: 4 (21) December. He is also depicted in the compositions “Because of you, O Full of grace, all creation rejoices” and “What shall we offer you, O Christ?”.

St. Cosmas of Jerusalem, Bishop of Maiuma († c. 787), Byzantine hymn writer, fellow monk of St. John of Damascus. He originated from Jerusalem, was brought up with John of Damascus and subsequently moved with him from Damascus to Jerusalem and settled down in the St. Sabas Monastery. In 743 he was appointed Bishop of Maiuma in Phoenicia. In the iconoclastic period he spoke in support of the Orthodoxy. The outstanding hymnographer composed canons on all days of the Holy week starting from Lazarus Saturday and for most of important feasts as well as canons to God Fathers on 26 December (8 January), great martyr George on 23 April (6 May) etc. Feast day: 12 (25) October. He is also represented in the composition “What shall we offer you, O Christ?”

Christ Pantocrator

A half-length image of Christ blessing with his right hand while holding the closed New Testament in his left is the most widespread variant in the iconography of the Saviour. Traditionally, it is placed in the cupola of a cathedral symbolizing heaven.

Archangel Michael

One of the seven archangels, the leader of the celestial army in a battle with Satan (Jude 12:7), the protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13 etc.) Feast days: 6 (19) September; 8 (21) November. He is represented in the dress of a warrior as a guardian of the cathedral gate punishing sinners entering it. He is also painted in the Deesis composition above the western portal, in the drum, in the altar, in the Last Judgement scene and above the north door.

Archangel Gabriel

One of the seven archangels (Tobit 12:15) who understood the meaning of the vision of prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:16) and revealed to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20), to Virgin Mary – the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour (Luke 1:26-38). In divine service he is characterized as “pre-existent wisdom enlightening the whole universe”. Feast: 26 March (8 April). He is represented with a scroll writing down names and good deeds of people who enter the cathedral. He is also painted in the Deesis composition above the western portal, in the drum, in the altar, in the akathist compositions, in the Last Judgement scene and above the south door.

Unknown Archangel

Unknown Archangel

Unknown Archangel

Archangel Uriel

The leader of ethereal forces. Uriel was sent by God to Judaic scholar and priest Ezra to instruct and explain to him mysterious ways of the Lord. (Ezra III 4:1).

Forefather Seth

Adam’s third son (Genesis 4:25; 5:3), father of Enosh. After the slaying of Abel by Cain and the removal of the latter from the presence of the LORD to “the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” God showed Adam a pledge of grace: Seth started a new pious clan in contrast to Cain’s descendants. God blessed Seth and his descendants with uncommonly long lives: they lived over nine hundred years. Tradition ascribes the invention of a written language and various sciences to Seth.

Forefather Adam

According to the Bible, the first man and the father of all humanity he got his name Adam (Hebrew “ground”) because he was “formed of the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7), God gave Adam “the breath of life; and man became a living soul”. God planted a garden in Eden and made the first woman Eve from his rib for Adam. Created in God’s likeness and image, Adam, the crown of creation, was given dominion over the earth and all living creatures (Genesis 1:28-30). After the Fall Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden of Eden, deprived of immortality and condemned to “till the ground” to earn their living. Adam lived 930 years and left numerous posterity. With the fall of the first man, sin and death entered the world and man’s sinful nature propagated to all Adam’s descendants. Deliverance of the original sin, salvation and live for all believers came from the ‘second’ Adam, Jesus Christ. Such view of two Adams can already be found in the epistles of St. Paul (Romans 5:14, I Corinthians 15:22, 45). It is also depicted in the akathist compositions “Wishing to bestow His grace…” (Kontakion 12) and in the Last Judgement scene (the Deesis).

Foremother Eve

Foremother of humanity, wife of Adam, created from his rib. Succumbing to the serpent’s temptations Eve ate the forbidden fruit. She is referred to in the New Testament (II Corinthians 11:3, I Timothy 2:14), theological essays and liturgical texts as guilty of the humanity’s fall.
She is also depicted in the scene of the Last Judgement (the Deesis).

Forefather Abel

The second son of Adam and Eve. According to the Bible, Abel was a shepherd and his elder brother was a farmer. When both brothers made an offering to God, Abel’s pleased him more and Cain was jealous of his brother and killed him (Genesis 4:2-8). John Chrysostom saw in Abel a prototype of Christ; Abel was a shepherd, he sacrificed a lamb and suffered a violent death at the hand of his brother.

Forefather Enos

Son of Seth and grandson of Adam, the third patriarch, died at the age of 905. The Biblical text “there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD” (Genesis 4:26) can be interpreted as evidence of an open public worship.

Forefather Methuselar

Son of Enos and father of Lamech (Genesis 5:21-27), the eighth patriarch renowned for his longevity. He lived 969 years and died just before the Great Flood which was postponed because of the week’s mourning for him. He went to the bounds of the earth to learn from his father Enos about the coming deluge and saving of his grandson Noah.

Forefather Melchizedek

The king of Salem, the priest of the most high God who blessed Abram and in his person all Old Testament priests (Genesis 14:18-24). According to St. Paul’s interpretation (Hebrews 7:17), Melchizedek is a prototype of Christ, “a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”.
He is depicted on the north side of the eastern vault.

Forefather Enos

Son of Jared and father of a Methuselah, the seventh patriarch. According to the Bible, Enos “walked with God”, i.e. strived for highest purity and holiness. As an award for his piety and faith God “translated him” so that “he should not see death” caused by the sins of his ancestors. (Hebrews 11:5). According to the apocryphical text “The Book of Enos”, he was taken up to heaven to judge the fallen angels. Enos together with prophet Elijah are to come first to herald the second advent of Christ.

Forefather Jared

Son of Mahalalel and father of Enoch, the sixth patriarch, who died at the age of 962 (Genesis 5:18-20).

Forefather Noah

The tenth and the last patriarch prior to the Flood. Having preserved righteousness in total corruption, he was chosen to perpetuate the human race after the deluge through his sons Shem, Ham and Japheth God established a covenant with Noah: « Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. “ (Genesis 9:6) God, in his turn, promised Noah that “ the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Genesis 9:15).

St. John the Evangelist

One of the 12 apostles, son of fisherman Zebedee, from Bethsaida, disciple of John the Baptist. He was present in all important events of Christ’s life: stood by Christ’s cross and the crucified teacher committed his mother Mary to his care (John 19:26). Together with St. Peter he preached Christ in Jerusalem, but was persecuted by the Sanhedrim and was lashed. As tradition relates he was sent from Jerusalem to Rome where he endured Nero’s persecution of Christians, was seized and exiled to a deserted island Patmos where he received apocalyptic visions of the future of the Church and the world that constituted the last book of the New Testament: the Book of Revelation. He spent his last years at Ephesus where he wrote three epistles and the fourth Gospel. Feast days: 8 (21) May and 26 September (9 October).
He is also depicted on the north-east arch flange, in the evangelic compositions and akathist scenes as well as in the Last Judgement.

St. Matthew

One of the 12 apostles, author of the first of the four canonical Gospels. He was a publican (tax collector) when Jesus called him to be his disciple (Matthew 9:9). After the ascension of Jesus Christ he preached to Jews in Jerusalem for 15 years, and then he went to preach in Persia (according to other sources, to Ethiopia) where he was martyred. Feast day: 16 (29) November.
It is also depicted in the evangelic compositions and the Last Judgement scenes.

St. Mark the Evangelist

One of the 70 apostles, born in Jerusalem, close associate of apostles Peter, Paul and Baranbas, his cousin. Mark visited Rome, afterwards moved to Alexandria where he founded a church and became its first bishop. He died a martyr’s death. Feast day: 25 April (8 May).
He is also depicted in the Last Judgement scene.

St. Luke the Evangelist

One of the 70 apostles, disciple and associate of St. Paul. He came from an educated Greek family. He lived in Antioch in Syria and was martyred in the town of Thebes. Apart from one of the four Gospels composed, as tradition relates, in Rome in 62-63 under St. Paul’s guidance, the book The Acts of the Apostles is also ascribed to St. Luke. He is also believed to create the first icons of the Theotokos, apostles Peter and Paul. Feast days: 18 (31) October, 22 April (5 May).
He is depicted in the Last Judgement scene.

Saviour not Made by Hand (Spas Nerukotvorny)

A special type of Christ’s iconography: his face is represented on a cloth. Tradition relates that its miraculous appearance is connected with King of Edessa Avgar who was a leper and wanted to have an image of Christ to cure his disease. The image of the Saviour not made by hand, brought to Avgar, was placed in a niche above the town gates of Edessa and subsequently immured with clay tiles and bricks. The image was recovered in 545 and in 944 it was transferred to Constantinople the feast of which is celebrated on 16 (29) August as a special feast of the Transfer of the Saviour not Made by Hand.

Christ Pantocrator

A half-length image of Christ blessing with his right hand and holding the closed New Testament in his left hand is the most widespread variant in the iconography of the Saviour. Traditionally it is placed in the cupola of a cathedral symbolizing heaven.

Saviour not Made by Hand (Saviour on a Tile)

A special type of Christ’s iconography, an image of his face on a tile. It goes back to its miraculous apparition on the tile that immured the Spas Nerukotvorny on a cloth placed in the niche of the town gates in Edessa. This image was recovered in 545 together with the Saviour not Made by Hand on a cloth.

Christ Emmanuel (Immanuel)

The name of the Saviour in the prophecy of Isaiah about his birth from the Virgin (Isaiah 7:14); the appellation of an iconographic type of Christ’s image.
It is an effigy of young Christ blessing with both hands.

Mother of God Representation with Archangels

A half-length image of the Mother of God with her hands outstretched to heaven and Jesus as a child in front of her chest, blessing with both hands, in a medallion. Four archangels stand on the sides of the Theotokos and Jesus.

Protection (Intercession) of Mother of God

A representation of the miraculous apparition of the Theotokos at the Blachernae Palace Church in Constantinople in the mid 10th century. According to the hagiography of St. Andrew who saw and showed her to his disciple Epiphanius (on the right), during the all-night vigil the Mother of God took of her veil and spread it over all people praying in church as a protection from visible and invisible enemies. In the foreground to the left there is the celebrated Byzantine hymnographer St. Roman the Melodist with a scroll that contains words of the relevant kontakion “Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church and with choirs of saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and bishops worship, apostles and prophets rejoice together, since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God”.
The feast of the Intercession is celebrated on 1 (14) October.

St. Thomas the Maleian (?) and St. Ephimius the Great (?)

St. Thomas the Maleian (?)
(on the left)
(10th century) is a saint who prior to taking monastic vows was a well-known military commander though his heart searched God. Having taken the tonsure he went to a wilderness where he received a revelation from prophet Elijah and withdrew to Mount Maleia (east of Mount Athos). His life and deeds attracted people who looked for spiritual guidance and miraculous healing of their ailments. Feast day: 7 (20) July.

Euthimy the Great (?)
saint from Melitina, was brought up by the bishop of the Melitinian Church. He took monastic vows and was ordained senior priest governing all town monasteries. At the age of 30 he secretly went to Jerusalem and withdrew to the Faransk Monastery where he settled in a remote hut outside the monastery walls (Armenia). Shortly afterwards, a monastic community formed there and Euphimius the Great became the confessor. He baptized a great number of Arabs, performed miraculous healings. Hiding from fame he withdrew to a desert where he lived in King David’s cave and founded a monastery and later another lavra. For his ascetic life and the firm Orthodox faith he acquired the attribute Great. Feast day: 20 January (2 February).

Sts. Varlaam and Prince Joasaphus

Varlaam
hermit, whose sermon inspired Indian prince Joasaphus to secretly take baptismal tonsure and to baptize his subjects and afterwards to go to the wilderness to Varlaam. Their relics were found imperishable. Feast day: 19 November (2 December).

Joasaphus (prince Joasaphus)
son of Indian king Avenir, who wanted to raise his son in ignorance of worldly sorrows and death. However, the prince understood that in the world there is sorrow, illness and death. Influenced by a sermon of the Christian hermit Varlaam, Joasaphus was secretly baptized. When he ascended the throne, he baptized his subjects and withdrew to the wilderness to Varlaam. He is remembered together with Varlaam.

Sts. John the Tent-dweller and St. Alexius, Man of God

John Kuschnik
(5th century), saint, son of rich parents from Constantinople. He secretly withdrew to Vifinia and took monastic vows in the cloister of The Incessant Vigilance. Six years later, he returned to Constantinople; dressed as a beggar and unrecognized by anybody, he settled near his parents’ house in a tent (tabernacle). Three years later, just before his death he had a vision of God and disclosed his identity to his parents showing them the New Testament given to him by them. He asked to bury him on the spot of his tent. He died when he was not yet 25 years, in 450. Feast day: 15 (28) January.

St. Alexius, Man of God
(5th century), son of a Roman senator Eufminian. Having lived in the wilderness for 17 years, he returned to his parents’ house where he worked unrecognized with servants. The parents found out that he was their missing son only after his death when they read his diary. In 1216, a church in his name was built over his grave on the Aventinian hill. Feast day: 17(30) March.

Sts. Theodosios the Great and Antony the Great

Theodosios the Great
(c. 424-529), saint, founder of coenobitic monasticism, born in Cappadocia. In 451, he made for Jerusalem and on the way he received a blessing from St. Simeon the Stylite (the Pillar-dweller). He lived in a deserted cave for 30 years, in which, as tradition relates, the magi stayed on the way back from Bethlehem. He founded the first coenobitic monastery- lavra according the charter of Vassily the Great. His work was an example for those who wished to set up a coenobitic community, including Theodosios of Pechersk. The lavra functioned until the beginning of the 16th century when it was devastated and looted by the Turks, in 1869 it was restored. Feast day: 11 (24) January.

Antony the Great
(251-356), saint, founder of hermetic life and father of monasticism. He was born in Egypt near the Thebaid wilderness. At the age of 20 he inherited his parents’ fortune and started a life of a monk first near his house, afterwards withdrew to the wilderness where he lived in complete solitude and incessant fight with demons for 20 years. Having achieved spiritual balance he started to teach people around him. He had a miracle-working gift and denounced the Arian heresy. Feast day: 17(30) January.

Unknown Martyrs

Unknown martyr
(left)
He is depicted in a chiton and cloak with a tab.

Unknown martyr
He is depicted in a chiton and himation

Martyrs Sergios and Bakkhos

Holy martyrs, high officials who were martyred under the emperor Maximilian (around 300 A.D). For their refusal to make pagan sacrifice Maximilian ordered them to be dressed in female clothes and led through the city with iron chains round their necks to be mocked by the people. Then he sent Sergios and Bakkhos to the ruler of the eastern Syria Antioch. Bakkhos was scourged to death and Sergios was shod with iron shoes inset with nails and sent him off from Sura to Resafa, 20 versts away, where he was beheaded. Feast day: 7 (20) October.

Saint Grand Prince Vladimir and Martyr Eustathius Placidus

Vladimir
(† 1015), holy equal-to-the-apostles grand prince, baptizer of Rus, baptized as Vassily, son of Svyatoslav Igorevich and Malusha, the house-keeper of princess Olga. From 969 the Grand Prince of Novgorod, from 980 the Grand Prince of Kiev. He conquered vyatiches, radimiches, and yatviges and fought pechenegs, the Volga Bulgaria, Byzantium and Poland, contributed to the elevation and flourish of the Russian state. Under Vladimir defensive constructions and stone buildings were built, Kiev was newly fortified. In 988, he was baptized in Korsun (according to another version - in Kiev) and introduced Christianity as the official religion in Rus. Feast day: 15 (28) July.

Eustathius
great martyr, captain of the Guards of the emperor Adrian, was called Placidus before he was baptized with the name of Eustathius. In a revelation Christ foretold that Eustathius like Job would undergo severe troubles but God would not leave him. Shortly after he lost his house and fortune and fled Egypt, his wife was kidnapped by pirates and his son was carried off by wild animals. Fifteen years later the family reunited, but for the refusal to worship idols Eustathius, his wife and children were thrown alive on a red-hot copper ox. Feast day: 20 September (3 October).

Sts. Grand Princes Boris and Gleb

Boris
(† 1015), saint prince- passion-bearer, son of Grand Prince Vladimir, in baptism Roman, Grand Prince of Rostov. Murdered in 1015 by followers of Svyatopolk the Accursed, the step-son of Vladimir. Together with his brother Gleb they were canonized as saints. Feast days of the saint brothers: 2(15) May and 24 July (6 August).

Gleb
(† 1015), saint prince-passion-bearer, son of Grand Prince Vladimir, David in baptism, Grand Prince of Murom. After the death of prince Boris, Svyatopolk the Accursed summoned Gleb to Kiev under pretence of visiting his ill father, however near Smolensk Gleb who had received the news on his father’s and brother’s death, was stabbed by Svyatopolk’s messengers. When Grand Prince Yaroslavl Vladimirovich conquered Kiev in 1019, Gleb’s body was found, brought to Vyshgorod and buried together with Boris’s in St. Basil’s Church. Feast days: 2 (15) May and 24 July (6 August).

Feast in the House of Simon the Leper

The Gospel according to St. Mathew (26:6-16): “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”

Conversation with the Samaritan woman; Healing of the Blind Man

Conversation with the Samaritan woman
(left)
The Gospel according to John (4:4-42) “And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never athirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in at his mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: bother men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world”.

Healing of the Blind Man
(right)
The Gospel according to John (9:1-39): “AND as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and awash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.”

Marriage in Cana of Galilee

The Gospel according to John (2:1-11): “AND the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him”.

Raising of Jairus’ Daughter; Healing of the Bleeding Wife

The Gospel according to Luke (8:40-56): “And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done”.

“The Archangel was sent from Heaven...” (Akathist. Eikos 1)

The scene of the Annunciation at the well described in the apocryphal proto-Gospel by Jacob is represented here. Archangel Gabriel descends to Mary delivering good news on the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

“The power of the Most High then overshadowed...” (Akathist, Kontakion 3)

The Annunciation: archangel Gabriel is standing in front of the enthroned Mary who receives the good news. The composition reflects the concept that treats the Annunciation as the Incarnation of God: in the medallion on the Theotokos’s lap there is a transparent figurine of the incarnated Christ (seen close-up).

Teaching of John Chrysostom

John Chrysostomos (c. 347-407), Archbishop of Constantinople. He was born in Antioch and in his youth spent four years in the wilderness with monks and another two years in solitude. In 381 he was ordained deacon. When ordained presbyter he delivered daily sermons, in which he castigated luxury and vanity of Constantinople ladies that were taken by empress Eudoxia as personal insult. At her urgent request he was condemned at the Church Council and exiled. Just after he left, a terrible earthquake occured and the empress who saw a sign of heavenly wrath in it hurried to recall the priest. John Chrysostom resumed exposure of public vice and in 404 was banished again to Kukuz (Armenia) and from there to Pitiunt (Pitsunda) but died on the way to Komanakh on 4 (17) September John Chrysostom’s eight hundred and four homilies are considered classical examples of Christian oratorical art. The priest was also esteemed for interpreting Holy Writ and arranging and compiling the Divine liturgy. Feast day: 13 (26) November.
He is also depicted on the northern wall of the altar.

Martyr Eugene and Unknown Martyr

Eugene
(left)
holy martyr, who suffered together with four other martyrs Avksentius, Eustratius, Mardary and Orest during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian at the end of the 3rd century. For his bold and steadfast confession of faith, Eugene was tortured and then thrown into a red-hot oven. Feast day: 21 January (3 February).

Unknown martyr
is depicted in a tunic and cloak.

Martyr Andrew and Unknown Martyr

Andrew
(left)
holy martyr, suffered together with John and his sons Peter and Antonius when they were taken captives after the destruction of the Sicilian city of Syracuse during the time of the cruel African ruler Ibrahim in the 9th century. Saint elder Andrew was worn with hunger, twice run through with a spear and finally beheaded. Feast day: 23 September 6 October).
Or it could be the martyr who suffered together with Peter, Dionysios and Paul during the reign of the emperor Decius in the 3rd century. The martyrs were tortured for their refusal to worship idols and their confession of the Christian faith. Feast day: 18(31) May.

Unknown martyr
depicted in a chiton and himation.

Martyrs Florus and Laurus

Holy martyrs, stone-masons, brothers, lived in the 2nd century. Having constructed a pagan temple, they set up the cross on it and dedicated it to the true God. The governor of the region, who learnt about it, cruelly tortured them and sent them to Illyria where they were thrown into an empty well and covered over with ground. Afterwards, their relics were recovered and transferred to Constantinople. Feast day: 18(31) September.

Boyar Fyodor and Prince Mikhail of Chernigov

Fyodor
(left)
holy martyr, boyar, was tormented to death together with prince Mikhail for their refusal to worship pagan idols in the Tatars’ Horde on 20 September 1246. The martyrs’ bodies were buried in Chernigov and later transferred to the Archangel Cathedral in Moscow. Feast days: 14(27) February, 20 September (3 October).

Mikhail
Mikhail Vsevolodovich, Grand Prince of Chernigov, holy martyr. By order of khan Baty he went to the Horde to get a permit to rule but was tortured by the Tatars on 20 September 1246 together with his boyar Fyodor for their refusal to worship idols. Feast days: 14(27) February, 20 September (3 October).

Sts. Ephrem the Syrian and John of the Ladder

Ephrem the Syrian
(left)
(† 373), saint, one of the great teachers of the Church. He originated from Nisibis in Mesopotamia. He lived an ascetic life guided by monk Jacob of Nisibis first in the outskirts of his native town and later in a cave near Edessa where he preached and converted pagans into Christianity. Shortly before he died he was ordained deacon by priest Basil the Great but declined the cathedra-chair of a bishop. He is the author of numerous theological and moralizing essays as well as hymns. His eschatological writings, namely about the Last Judgement, Doomsday, Antichrist etc are most popular.

John of the Ladder
(c.525-606), saint, monk, hermit, one of the great teachers of the Church. He took the tonsure in the Saint Catherine Monastery on mount Sinai and lived 40 years in total isolation. A few years before his death he was chosen abbot of the Sinai Monastery. Author of The Ladder of Paradise, a guide to spiritual life which regards monastic exploit as the process of incessant ascent on the ladder of spiritual purification and perfection and describes steps on the way in detail. The book of John of the Ladder enjoyed great popularity among Byzantine and Russian monks. Feast day: 30 March (12 April).

Unknown Saints

Unknown saint
is depicted in a mantle with a paramand and a cowl on his shoulders, in his left hand there is a scroll.

Unknown saint
depicted in a mantle with a cowl on his shoulders.

Sts. Moses Murin and Euphrosynos

Moses Murin
(left)
(325-400), saint, of Ethiopian origin, in his youth he was a leader of a band of robbers but having repented he withdrew to a monastery where he performed many ascetic deeds. Feast day: 28 August (10 September)

Euphrosynos
(9th century), saint, monk of a Palestinian monastery. He obediently worked in the kitchen as a cook and for his humility and patience God granted him Paradise during his life. Feast day: 11 (24) September.

Sts. Sergius of Radonezh and Cyril of Belozero

Sergius of Radonezh
(left)
(c. 1314-1392), saint, monk, monastery founder, reformer of Russian monasticism. Secular name Bartholomew. He was born in a village of Barnitsy near Rostov into a boyar family of Cyril and Mary who moved to Radonezh around 1330. After the death of his parents together with his brother Stephen he withdrew to a wilderness near Radonezh and built a wooden church in honour of the Holy Trinity (c. 1335). Having taken the tonsure he consequently became the hegumen of the monastery. Following the counsel of the Constantinople Patriarch Philotheos and blessed by Metropolitan Alexius he introduced the coenobitic charter that was later accepted in numerous Russian monasteries. Apart from the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery Sergius of Radonezh also founded other cloisters while his disciples set up all in all 40 monasteries mainly in the north of Russia. Feast day: 25 September (8 October).

Cyril of Belozero
(1337-1427), saint, monk, adherent of St. Sergius of Radonezh, founder of the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery. Cyril was born in Moscow and took the tonsure in the Simonov Monastery where subsequently he became archimandrite. He was renowned for his spiritual exploits, diligence and wisdom, and possessed the gift of sagacity. In about 1397 he had a vision of the Mother of God and withdrew with monk Ferapont to Belozero where he founded his cloister. In the St. Cyril Belozero Monastery he introduced a very strict ascetic charter and his life served as an example to the brethren. Feast day: 9(22) June.

Parable of the Wedding Feast

The Gospel according to St. Matthew (22:1-14): “AND Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Widow’s Mite; Healing of Two Blind Men

Widow’s Mite
(left)
The Gospel according to Mark (12:41-44): “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

Healing of two blind men
(right)
The Gospel according to St. Matthew (9:27-31): “And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their ayes were opened; and Jesus straightly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straightly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.”

Withering the Fig Tree; Feast in the house of Simon the Pharisee

Withering the Fig Tree
(left)
The Gospel according to St. Matthew (21:18-22): “Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no bruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall bask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee
(right)
The Gospel according to St. Luke (7:36-50): “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace”.

Healing of the Man Sick of the Palsy

The Gospel according to St. Matthew (9:1-8): “AND he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

“...be born from a virginal womb...” (Akathist. Eikos 3)

After the annunciation Mary went to Elisabeth, sister of her mother, wife of priest Zacharias, future mother of John the Baptist. Elisabeth filled with the Holy Ghost saluted Mary and the babe leaped in her womb (Luke 1:39-45).

“Beholding the Godward-pointing Star, the Magi...” (Akathist. Kontakion 5)

Procession of the Magi. Before Christ was born, a bright Bethlehem star appeared above the cave where Jesus was to be born. The Wise Men from the East saw the star and set out to adore “the born King of the Jews”.

Great Martyr Theodore of Tyre

“Recruit”, soldier, great martyr, confessed his faith to his commanders and fellow-soldiers and set fire to a pagan temple of Cebele. After flagellation and other tortures he was burnt on a bon-fire in 306. Feast day: 17 February (2 March) and on the first Saturday of the Lent.

Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates

(“stratelates” – commander-in-chief, † 319), great martyr, born in the city of Euchantum in Asia Minor, appointed commander-in-chief for his courage in a fight with a huge serpent; he was a ruler of Heralacleum. During the time of persecution of Christians he was crucified on a cross by the emperor Licinius (307-324), but healed by God he was later beheaded with a sword. Feast day: 8 (21) February.

Teaching of St. Gregory the Theologian

Gregory the Theologian or Nazianzus
(329-389), archbishop of Constantinople, fellow of St. Basil the Great: he ascetisized alongside him and asked for his counsel. At the request of his father, priest Gregory Nazianzus Senior he was ordained presbyter and then took the cathedra of the bishop of Nazianzos in Asia Minor. In 378 the Antioch Council invited Gregory to the patriarch throne to lead the struggle against heresies. An excellent preacher, poet and prose writer, Gregory the Theologian composed numerous works: discourses, epistles, interpretations, hymns, verses that deal with the essence of the Trinity. . There survived 45 sermons, autobiographical poems About my life and About sufferings of my soul. Feast day: 25 January (7 February). He is also depicted in the altar on the southern wall, the first from window.

Martyr Elizabeth and Empress Alexandra

Elizabeth
(left)
holy martyr, was tortured in Andrianopolis in the 3rd century. She came to believe in Christ when she saw how patiently bishop Alexandre endured his sufferings. Feast day: 22 October (4 November).

Alexandra, great martyr
empress, wife of the emperor Diocletian. She came to believe in Christ when she watched the steadfastness of faith of great martyr Gregory during his suffering. She was sentenced to death but died on her way to the place of her execution. Feast day: 23 April (6 May), on the same day with saint great martyr Gregory.

Sts. Theodora and Martyr Thekla

Theodora
(left)
one of the three saints of the same name

Theodora of Soluncia
(9th century). She took the veil together with her daughter after her husband’s death, worked miracles not only during her lifetime but also after her death (Feast day: 5 (18) April);

Theodora of Caesarea
(8th century), took the veil under the emperor Leo the Isaurian. Fleeing from marriage, she spent all her life in the monastery in ardent prayer and exploits. Feast day: 30 December (12 January);

Theodora Tsargrad
(10th century), who having become a widow, took the veil and lived under the guidance of St. Basil the New to the ripe old age. She died in 940. Feast day: 30 December (12 January).

Thekla
(right)
holy martyr, equal-to-the-apostles, disciple of apostle Paul. A daughter of rich and noble parents came from Iconium. For her refusal to marry a resident of Antioch, Thekla was thrown to wild animals but remained unharmed. Having received freedom she ran away to Seleucia and spread Christian teachings there. Feast day: 24 September (8 October).

St. Makrina and Unknown Martyr

Makrina
(left)
sister of saint priest Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, born in Cappadocia at the beginning of the 4th century. Having chosen the life of a nun, she persuaded her mother to take the veil with her and subsequently guided other nuns in the convent. She excelled in strictness and temperance and was endowed the gift of miracle-working. Feast day: 19 July (1 August).

Unknown Martyr (Barbara?)
depicted in royal vestments with a diadem on her head and a cross in her right hand. Barbara was martyred under the emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the 4th century. The daughter of a noble pagan, for her Christian faith she was tortured and executed upon his father’s initiative. Her relics rest in the St. Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. Feast day: 4(17) December.

Saint Euphosynia and Martyr Anastasia

St.Euphrosynia
(left)
lived in the 5th century in Alexandria, came from a noble family. She secretly took the veil and disguised in a male dress worked in a male monastery. She spent 38 years in labour and prayer in her solitary cell. Before her death she revealed her secret to her grieving father. In her memory, Euphrasynia (1212-1250), princess of Suzdal, the elder daughter of Mikhail of Chernigov became a nun. Feast day: 25 September (8 October).

Anastasia
holy martyr, a Roman by birth, daughter of rich parents, was brought up by a Christian mother and Christian teacher Chrisogenes with whom she corresponded during her life. Anastasia married a Roman pagan, but under the pretext of a contrived illness she preserved her virginity although she had to go to prison. When her husband died and she was free, she devoted her life to imprisoned Christians (hence the nickname the Alleviatrix-of-Captives). She suffered a martyr’s death under the emperor Diocletian. Feast day: 22 December (4 January).

Foremother Rachel and Forefather Jacob

Rachel
(left)
In the Old Testament the young daughter of Laban, cousin and wife of Jacob, sister of Leah. Died when giving birth to Benjamin. Feast day: during the week of saint forefathers.

Jacob or Israel
Patriarch, son Rebecca and Isaac, grandson of Abraham, he was the founder of “the twelve tribes of Israel” named after his sons. He was the younger twin brother and with the help of his mother he got his blind father’s blessing for the birthright. Fearing the revenge of his brother Esau, he withdrew to Mesopotamia where he married daughters of his uncle Laban, Rachel and Leah, by whom he had twelve sons and one daughter Dinah. Upon his return from Mesopotamia he lived in Palestina. When Jacob moved to his son Joseph to Egypt, they lived in the rich province of Goshen. The fate of “the twelve tribes of Israel” descending from his sons was prophesied by Jacob when he blessed each of them before his death. Jacob died at 147 and his body was transferred to the land of promise. Feast day: during the week of saint fathers and the week of saint forefathers.