This icon depicts The Baptism of our Lord, the Theophany ("manifestation of God" or divine manifestation" in the Jordan River, baptized by John the Forerunner (also known as John the Baptist).
At the top of the icon, the Heavens open and the dover - the Holy Spirit - descends down onto the person of Jesus Christ. As Saint John Chrysostom says, the Heavens were opened and the Spirit descended upon us so that we may ascend with Christ and the Spirit to the Father in Heaven.
John stands on the bank of the Jordan River baptizing Christ while on the opposite bank the angels wait to attend and dress the Lord after the baptism. While being baptized, Christ is not submerged in the water, for creation was baptized in Him - not the other way around.
Below John an axe is shown, leaning on the tree. It represents his warning that our lives must bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, or we will be removed.
Finally, the creatures in the water represent the Jordan River and the Sea trembling and fleeing at beholding the Lord, as described in the Psalms.
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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 is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.
All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.
Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
Dimensions may slightly vary.
Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.
Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.
RECESSED
The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.
LEVEL
Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.
Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.
Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.
Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.
