Theophany Icon Explanation

[Thom18]

I’m wondering if someone could help me identify parts of this icon. I got it from Byzantine Seminary Press, and I’d like to get to understand it better so I can pray with it.

The first thing I notice is two people underwater, with one of them seated on what I assume to be two fish. There’s someone to the right of Jesus (left of the image) that is seated, and it looks like there’s either a jar or a buoy next to him.

There’s four angels, one wearing a vivid red, two a blue or green, and another (who is making eye contact with John the Baptist) a maroon color.

I’m also curious to know if the two mountains in the background are significant.

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[ziapueblo]

A lot going on in this icon.

The first thing I notice is two people underwater, with one of them seated on what I assume to be two fish.

What’s represented is the Jordan River and the Sea (Psalm 114), both fleeing at the sight of something much bigger and greater than themselves entering the water.

There’s four angels, one wearing a vivid red, two a blue or green, and another (who is making eye contact with John the Baptist) a maroon color.

The angels are waiting to receive the newly baptized Christ and cloth him.

I’m also curious to know if the two mountains in the background are significant.

The mysteries of initiation are shown here. Jesus of course in the Jordan with the water representing baptism. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove which represents chrsimation/conformation. Finally, the two mountains you mention. They form a chalice with Jesus in the middle, the Eucharist.

ZP

 

[BusterMartin]

Good description above…and there is also this…Theophany icon explained - Mar Yakub

 

[Margaret_Ann]

You were listening to Fr. Deacon Dozier too!

 

[Vico]

I’m wondering if someone could help me identify parts of this icon. …

Toparion of Theophany – Tone 1
At your baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, worship of the Trinity was revealed;
for the Father’s voice bore witness to you, calling you his beloved Son,
and the Spirit in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of these words.
O Christ God you appeared and enlightened the world. Glory to you!

There is the Holy Spirit (in a Mandorla) descending as in the form of dove upon Jesus and others. The heavens were opened, having being closed at the fall of mankind.

Mark 1: 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove;

Notice that Jesus is not submerged but standing on the waters: Jesus Christ baptizes creation.

Kontakion of Theophany – Tone 4
You have revealed yourself to the world today;
and your light, O Lord, has set its seal on us.
We recognize you and exclaim to you:
you have come and revealed yourself, O Unapproachable Light.

 

[ziapueblo]

I did, yes! My priest is also an iconographer and I went with him to the Benedictine monastery in our state this summer where he gave a talk on iconography.

ZP

 

[dochawk]

There is an entire forum on iconography at byzcath.com . . .