Icon of the Trinity

I was recently introduced to the Icon of the Trinity (pictured above). The icon was painted early in the 15^th century by Andrei Rublev, an Eastern Orthodox iconographer.

The person who introduced this icon to me commented that nothing is wasted in an icon. The more I become familiar with icons, the more I am learning the truth of this. As I remarked in a recent blog on the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, icons are wonderful because the more time you spend reflectively gazing at them, the more you learn from them. They really are the Scriptures in visual form. As such, there is so much we can learn from them.

The basis of the Icon of the Trinity is Genesis 18:1ff where we read the account of the LORD appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre in the form of three men. Thus on one level, the icon is an historical depiction of this event – you can notice the oak tree and, I would hazard to guess, Abraham’s house in the background providing the historical setting.

But, as is always the case, the significance of the icon is only really appreciated when we take a deeper look. One understanding of this event is that the three men were a Theophany i.e. that this was a revelation of the Blessed Trinity in the Old Testament. It is this interpretation that the icon picks up.

Because there is so much to learn through the various icons, I thought that I would share just a few thoughts on the icon and leave the rest to you as you meditate upon it…

Firstly, notice that there are three figures, but that they are all identical in size and appearance. This points to the fundamental truth of the Trinity – that there is but one God in three “hypostasis” (or persons as we like to say). Each “person” of the Trinity is equally God. This is why each of the figures is wearing a blue garment and each is holding a sceptre – to picture that each is equally Divine. The posture of the figures is quite telling. The Son and the Holy Spirit have their heads tilted and their eyes fixed upon the Father, which speaks of their respective roles in the Trinity. The position of the Son’s hand is positioned in a way that reminds us that He has two natures – human and divine.

But without going into much more detail regarding the icon (I will leave that to you and your own reflections), I do want to touch on the thing that was probably the most special for me…and that is the chalice which is filled with the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (remembering that this is an Eastern icon, and the practise in the East is to have the Precious Body and Blood mingled in the chalice). The Son has given His blood (indicated by the colour of His robe), and this is now being offered to the viewer, which is clear by the position of the chalice on the table i.e. it is at the point closest to the viewer. But if this is not enough to get his point across, the iconographer highlights the fact by depicting the three figures in the shape of a chalice showing that in the chalice, God is doing nothing less than offering us His very own self.

And that is the wonder and mystery of the Eucharist. Through Holy Communion, we really and truly share in the Divine life of God Almighty…and as we partake of His Divinity, we are changed more and more into His likeness.

Now, isn’t that amazing?

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

One of the wonderful things about historic Christianity is the use of images and icons for the edification of God’s people. One particular icon that I am falling in love with the more I learn about it is Our Lady of Perpetual Help (pictured above). It is an icon which dates back to at least the 15^th century (possibly further). It is based on the Hodegetria icon, which according to legend was painted by St. Luke (pictured below).

The richness of the imagery in Our Lady of Perpetual Help really is beautiful. I for one was completely unaware of just how deep the thought of the iconographer was. I recently learned some of the deeper truths taught by the icon, and I thought I would share it with you. My prayer is that it will be as much a blessing to you as it was to me.

Firstly, the Greek initials located at various points of the picture...above the angels on the left and right are the names of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel respectively. Above their names is the title “Mother of God”. Next to the Christ Child are the Greek letters for “Jesus Christ”. And so the onlooker is introduced to those depicted in the icon.

The story behind the icon is that it depicts an episode in our Lord’s childhood when he was overwhelmed by fright when the Archangels appeared to Him showing Him the instruments of His Passion. St. Michael presented the lance which pierced His side and the gall-sop with the bowl filled with gall and vinegar. St. Gabriel presented to our Lord the cross and the nails. Our Lord ran to His mother in haste (hence the loose sandal – which may also symbolise those who are clinging to Christ by one last thread).

Upon first glance, it appears that our Lord is disproportionate to our Lady; but upon a closer look you will see that the reason the iconographer did this was so that the outline of our Lord and His Blessed Mother would be one. This is because the Life of our Lord is so closely connected with the life of Mary that it is impossible to separate the two.

The background is gold to depict heavenly glory, where both our Lord and Mary now dwell. This gold shines through their clothing showing that the glories of heaven are made available to us through the Lord and His Mother.

Mary’s right hand, as in the Hodegetria, points us to Christ. Our Lord’s hands in turn rest on hers, but they do not cling. This is to show that whilst our Lord sought Mary’s comfort, He was still her God. Also, His hands are facedown, indicating that it is to her that the graces of His redemption are entrusted.

Mary’s left hand lovingly supports her Son, just as her heart did in His Passion. Our Lord is gazing into the distance contemplating His “fate”; whilst Mary’s eyes are sorrowfully turned towards us, her children.

Mary’s mouth is unusually small – this symbolises that she was often given to silent contemplation; treasuring the Mysteries of Christ in her heart.

There is so much more depth to this icon...and I have only just scratched the surface. If you are interested in learning a little more, here is a link which has a bit of an interactive interface. Have a look, it is really quite well done.

http://www.baclaranovena.org/About_the%20Shrine/meaning_perpetual_help_icon.html

There is so much more that could be said about the colours used, or the various other symbols included in the icon. I suppose that is the beauty of an icon – it leaves much to the contemplation of the beholder. And like the Scriptures, the more time you spend in delving their depths, the more you learn and the deeper your contemplation becomes.

So, next time you come across Our Lady of Perpetual Help...take a few minutes to stop and reflect on the wonders contained within this truly magnificent icon. And as you meditate, may you be led closer to the Lord by the hand of our Blessed Mother.