Iconography
Iconography is one of the most basic needs for the completion of the church building. The Orthodox Faith calls the gathering of the members of the Church "the Communion of Saints," and teaches that all the saints and angels are present at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other religious services, Icons of the saints and angels emphasize the reality of their presence at Holy Worship. For this reason, the Holy Icons are more than decorative embellishments; they are an essential part of church worship and church decor, both on the Iconostation and on the walls and ceiling.
In Byzantine architecture, the dome represents Heaven and the floor represents earth. Consequently, the Icon of the Dome is called the Christ- Pantocrator, and depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord Almighty looking down on His creation. The Pantocrator is surrounded by angels, the Prophets of the Old Testament and the Ancestors of Christ.
Saint Nicholas, with God’s Economy performed many miracles both during his lifetime and after his repose. Saint Nicholas’ reputation was established as a “Thaumatourgos” (Wonderworker!) during his life. To this day the Saint’s miracles are witnessed by the faithful.
Our Phase IV Iconography will beautifully portray reflections of our Patron’s life. On the South Window Wall, the first of six icons include the Holy Saint’s Ordination to the Episcopate. The depiction is of the Saint’s uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patara, holding his omophorion over the young Saint Nicholas as he bows in reverence during the Ordination Sacrament. The scene takes place in the Church with a Bishop holding the Holy Gospel.
The following icons of the life of Saint Nicholas include his wonderworking miracles and his God given love for his fellow man. At the top of the wall under the arch is an icon in two parts depicting Saint Nicholas Saving from Danger at Sea. Through his prayers to God, Saint Nicholas calms the sea and rescues a sailor out of the water as the beleaguered ship and crew are near to land. Saint Nicholas is also depicted pulling up the mast downed by the storm of the ship allowing the boat to reach safety.
The next icon also in two parts, depicting the life of Saint Nicholas displays Sharing Wealth with the Poor. In these icons Saint Nicholas is shown humbly offering a poor man material assistance, which the man gratefully accepts without stretched hands.
The last of six icons depicts the Dormition of Saint Nicholas, with Angels, Bishops and lay people ministering to the Saint who has fallen asleep, dressed in his Bishops vestments.
Holy Saint Nicholas is our Wonderworking Patron Saint whose way of life inspires us as we venerate him in blessed iconography—Becoming What We Behold.
In Byzantine architecture, the dome represents Heaven and the floor represents earth. Consequently, the Icon of the Dome is called the Christ- Pantocrator, and depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord Almighty looking down on His creation. The Pantocrator is surrounded by angels, the Prophets of the Old Testament and the Ancestors of Christ.
Saint Nicholas, with God’s Economy performed many miracles both during his lifetime and after his repose. Saint Nicholas’ reputation was established as a “Thaumatourgos” (Wonderworker!) during his life. To this day the Saint’s miracles are witnessed by the faithful.
Our Phase IV Iconography will beautifully portray reflections of our Patron’s life. On the South Window Wall, the first of six icons include the Holy Saint’s Ordination to the Episcopate. The depiction is of the Saint’s uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patara, holding his omophorion over the young Saint Nicholas as he bows in reverence during the Ordination Sacrament. The scene takes place in the Church with a Bishop holding the Holy Gospel.
The following icons of the life of Saint Nicholas include his wonderworking miracles and his God given love for his fellow man. At the top of the wall under the arch is an icon in two parts depicting Saint Nicholas Saving from Danger at Sea. Through his prayers to God, Saint Nicholas calms the sea and rescues a sailor out of the water as the beleaguered ship and crew are near to land. Saint Nicholas is also depicted pulling up the mast downed by the storm of the ship allowing the boat to reach safety.
The next icon also in two parts, depicting the life of Saint Nicholas displays Sharing Wealth with the Poor. In these icons Saint Nicholas is shown humbly offering a poor man material assistance, which the man gratefully accepts without stretched hands.
The last of six icons depicts the Dormition of Saint Nicholas, with Angels, Bishops and lay people ministering to the Saint who has fallen asleep, dressed in his Bishops vestments.
Holy Saint Nicholas is our Wonderworking Patron Saint whose way of life inspires us as we venerate him in blessed iconography—Becoming What We Behold.
© 2019
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 332-8200
Fax: (734) 332-8201
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 332-8200
Fax: (734) 332-8201
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