The Bridegroom: "Behold the Man"
The Story Behind This Icon
The name of "Bridegroom" derives from the central figure in the well-known parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and suggests the intimacy of love. Christ, in his Passion, is the divine Bridegroom of the Church, connoting the union of the Lover to the Beloved. The parable is also associated with the Second Coming and the need for spiritual vigilance and preparedness, calling Orthodox Christians to keep the divine commandments at all times. The troparion for this service communicates this expectation: we watch and wait for the Lord, who will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Additionally, this version of the icon depicts Christ as He was before Pontius Pilate (hence the quote "Behold the Man"), in a robe of mockery, dyed red in this depiction to portray Christ's passion for us, a crown of thorns around His holy head, inclined in humility, with the reed in His hand given Him by the soldiers. The Immortal Uncontainable God who created the universe, reduced to the most humbling of circumstances, publicly put to death as a common criminal in a brutal and humiliating execution, betrayed by one of His closest followers for a handful of silver. Only a God Who loves humanity deeply, passionately, would undergo such a terrible trial at the hands of His creation.
"Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom He shall find watching; and again unworthy is he whom He shall find heedless. Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be overcome with sleep, lest thou be given up to death, and be shut out from the Kingdom. But rouse thyself and cry: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God, through the Mother of God, have mercy on us." -Troparion of the Bridegroom Service
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.
